Arsenal’s summer transfer window is heating up nicely as the new season approaches. Mikel Arteta spent roughly £150million last year refreshing his options in an attempt to make them more competitive.
While that certainly improved the side, they narrowly missed out on a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League. Squad depth and quality were proving an issue which has to be solved over the break.
So far, the Spaniard has done his best to replicate the feat of last summer. Four signings have been made so far with around £80million spent at this stage.
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That total could soon reach over the £100million mark, as Arsenal are understood to have reached an agreement with Manchester City for Oleksandr Zinchenko at £30million. The Ukraine international worked with Arteta in his time at the Etihad Stadium as assistant manager.
The 25-year-old is able to play a variety of positions, giving the Spaniard plenty of options to choose from when it comes to naming his side. With that said, here’s a look at a few ways he could be included in the side.
At left-back
Last season saw plenty of issues at left-back for the Gunners. The preferred option Kieran Tierney suffered with injuries, leaving summer signing Nuno Tavares to deputise.
The Portuguese youngster struggled to adapt though, leaving the manager mixing and matching for his best option there. Zinchenko has often played at left-back and could play there in absence of Tierney.
In midfield
While he has often played at left-back in the Premier League, the versatility of Zinchenko makes him a useful asset. For Ukraine, he has often played as a midfield eight, something that is only currently covered by Granit Xhaka.
The Switzerland international only has one-year remaining on his contract and with more games coming up in this campaign, the 25-year-old could be an important player.
At wing-back
While a back four was the choice of Arteta last season, there could be a slight tweak to try and fit players in. Gabriel and Ben White were a solid partnership last season, but the return of William Saliba from Marseille could leave the manager changing his backline to fit everyone in.
If he opts for a back three, Zinchenko could play as a left-sided wing-back, offering plenty going forward down the flank.
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