Arsenal's transfer pursuit of Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko has moved a step closer to completion after Pep Guardiola made a bold £45million move to secure the Ukrainian's replacement.
The Gunners have only signed Brazilian youngster Marquinhos so far but are expected to explode into life into this summer's transfer window as evidenced by the latest developments on Gabriel Jesus- a striker who is set to leave east Manchester after the double capture of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez by the current Premier League Champions.
However, this isn't the only significant business that the north Londoners are expected to do as Mikel Arteta aims to right the wrongs of last season by trying to achieve a top-four place. This is because a new full-back and midfielder are high on the transfer agenda. Youri Tielemans is the main target for the central midfield role with the Belgian reportedly in favour of a new challenge away from the east Midlands this summer.
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Defensive-wise though, numerous full-backs have been linked, with Bologna's Aaron Hickey a prominent name within the media. Despite the positive updates regarding Kieran Tierney's Scottish compatriot, a certain Premier League wing-back has gone slightly under the radar.
Zinchenko, who reportedly is highly admired by Arteta, played second fiddle to Joao Cancelo last season and in his bid to keep his Ukraine spot, wants more regular first-team football. This would require leaving Man City and it seems as though his wishes could be granted if the latest reports are to be believed.
The Guardian amongst other outlets have reported that City are preparing to lodge a £45m bid for Brighton's Marc Cucurella. Whether the Seagulls let go of the Spaniard after just one season remains to be seen but the domino effect which could follow will certainly interest Arsenal.
Cucurella's arrival would mean the 25-year-old would become surplus to requirements for the Citizens, therefore allowing the Gunners to poach as they look for more defensive backup to the injury-prone Tierney. West Ham are reportedly keeping an eye on City's action with a view to challenging their London compatriots in this certain transfer race.
Whether or not Zinchenko's move to the Emirates Stadium would have a knock-on effect on Hickey remains to be seen but movement in the full-back area could finally be on the cards as Edu looks to further strengthen his squad.
Arsenal fans- If you could only sign one of Oleksandr Zinchenko or Aaron Hickey this summer, who would you personally opt for? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments section below!
