Arsenal transfer news: Oleksandr Zinchenko deal in works as David Ornstein reveals strong Gunners chances

Arsenal are in talks over a deal to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal after turning their attentions towards prising the star away from Manchester City.

The Gunners have enjoyed a strong transfer window so far with four new additions coming in. The pick of those are Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus, two players who strengthen Mikel Arteta’s side in key positions. Indeed, signing a new striker was the Gunners boss’ top aim this summer.

However, of secondary importance to Arteta was signing a new left-sided defender. Seeking cover for Kieran Tierney, the Gunners had initially locked on to Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

The Argentine is known more as a centre-half, but can also cover at left-back and, for that reason, Arteta was keen. However, after seeing two bids fail, they saw Manchester United usurp them in the race for his signature. Now a deal to take Martinez to Old Trafford has been agreed.

That has left Arsenal to go back to the drawing board, but it seems they have very quickly settled on a new target in Zinchenko.

Indeed, as per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Gunners are now in talks over a deal for Zinchenko.

The Ukrainian has been a reliable performer for Manchester City but has failed to command a regular shirt. Indeed, with Joao Cancelo ahead of him, Pep Guardiola has also turned to Nathan Ake to fill in at left-back.

City willing to sell Oleksandr Zinchenko

As such, Ornstein claims Manchester City are willing to cash in on the 25-year-old if their valuation is met. And while that is not disclosed in the report, previous reports have stated that the Cityzens value the 52-times capped star in the £30m – £35m bracket.

Furthermore, it’s suggested that with talks ongoing, there is a decent chance of Zinchenko signing for Arsenal. He is a player that Arteta knows well from his time working as City’s No 2.

And a reunion looks to be on the cards with Arsenal potentially set to secure their second big arrival of the summer from City.

Zinchenko’s deal at City expires in summer 2024. And with just two years left on his deal, now seems like the ideal time for the player to move on.

In addition, City’s interest in acquiring Marc Cucurella from Brighton indicates that his time at City looks to be over.

Deal looks a smart signing for Arsenal

While there will inevitably be some disappointment for Arsenal at missing out on Martinez, the capture of Zinchenko will make up for that.

Furthermore, he could end up costing the club around £10m less than what they could have paid for the Argentine.

The good news for Arsenal is that Oleksandr Zinchenko comes with a wealth of experience. Indeed, in his six seasons at City, he has clocked up 128 appearances in his six seasons at City.

However, he has never been more than a squad player under Guardiola. And it is clearly time for Zinchenko to make that step up.

He prefers to operate on the left of midfield for Ukraine, though is predominantly used as a full-back at City.

If the Gunners can get this signing over the line, it would represent an excellent piece of business.

Oleksandr Zinchenko wants midfield Premier League switch

Manchester City left back Oleksandr Zinchenko wants to play in midfield with Arsenal and West Ham possibly set to give him that chance

Arsenal have held talks with Alex Grimaldo of Benfica, but it seems Zinchenko is now their top target.

And the signing of a new left-back will allow Nuno Tavaraes to secure a loan move away from Emirates Stadium.

For City it would give them further funds to put in the bank and strengthen their push to sign Cucurella.

Brighton, though, will not let the classy Spaniard leave without a fight. They value the player at around the £50m mark and are also looking to end speculation over his future by tying him to a lucrative new deal.