Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Newcastle, Everton lured into Zinchenko transfer battle after Arsenal link

Oleksandr Zinchenko holding the Premier League trophy

Newcastle United and Everton have both been presented with the chance to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, according to a report.

Zinchenko has played for Manchester City since 2017, when he returned from a loan spell at PSV. Over time, he has gained more trust from Pep Guardiola. In the season just gone, he amassed 28 appearances across all competitions.

However, it could turn out to be his last at the Etihad Stadium. Zinchenko has often had to cover as a left-back, which is a position Manchester City may strengthen in the summer.

With that in mind, the Ukraine international – under contract until 2024 – could be sold. He was recently linked with Arsenal, where former City assistant Mikel Arteta could restore him to his former role as a midfielder.

According to The Athletic, two other options for Zinchenko would be Newcastle or Everton. Covering the latter’s predicted summer business, they mention that the 25-year-old has been suggested to them.

The same goes for fellow Premier League side Newcastle, who are ready for their first summer transfer window with Saudi owners.

Moving to either club would allow Zinchenko to continue his career in the Premier League. Their positional plans for him remain up for debate.

At Everton, it is noted that Zinchenko’s compatriot Vitaliy Mykolenko is settling in at left-back. Frank Lampard does want to strengthen his midfield, though.

As for Newcastle, they have had left-back Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa during the second half of this season. Their plans in that role will depend on whether the move becomes permanent or not.

In midfield, they recruited Bruno Guimaraes in January. Yet there could be plans for further investment into that department.

Zinchenko should await Arsenal first

Despite the chance for either club to take Zinchenko, perhaps he should wait to see if Arsenal’s interest materialises further.

They need players in both of the roles he can cover. There are doubts about Nuno Tavares’ suitability as a backup to left-back Kieran Tierney. What’s more, they have wanted to strengthen in midfield since January.

In addition, the chance to work with Arteta again means he could hit the ground running there.

The opportunity to play in Europe is also a factor that works in Arsenal’s favour.

Yet with The Athletic not mentioning them in their reference to Zinchenko, maybe he will have to consider Everton or Newcastle as well. Both are big clubs with ambition to aim higher up the table, so should not be disregarded.

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