Mikel Arteta is closing in on Arsenal's fifth signing of the transfer window, with Oleksandr Zinchenko set to pen a deal at the Emirates Stadium this summer. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from the Premier League champions as his contract, which expires in 2024, at the Etihad begins to cast doubt over his future.
Zinchenko's former teammate Gabriel Jesus joined the north London outfit a few weeks ago following previous deals for Matt Turner, Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira as technical director Edu continues to act fast in the transfer market. Arteta is said to be a huge fan of the Ukraine international, who can play left-back and central-midfield to an exceptionally high standard.
With that being said, football.london takes a look at all the latest transfer rumours surrounding a possible deal for the utility man.
READ MORE: Gabriel Martinelli makes Arsenal transfer admission and reveals how he has helped Gabriel Jesus
Rodri bids farewell
Rodri has all but confirmed Zinchenko's move to Arsenal this summer, with the City midfielder bidding the Ukrainian farewell. As quoted by The Metro, the Spaniard said: "Oleks is not with us anymore. He’s been great as a teammate and as a player.
"He deserved the best and we are going to miss him, but this is football, it continues and new players come in. We are happy for him."
Personal terms and medical
Arsenal have reached an agreement with Zinchenko over personal terms, reports David Ornstein. It will see the 25-year-old join the club on a four-year deal as the side's fifth signing of the summer window.
The Ukraine international will leave Manchester City's pre-season tour to have a medical with the north London club before signing with his new side.
Man City deadline
Arsenal and City have set a deadline of the end of the week to get a deal across the line for Zinchenko, according to Fabrizio Romano. A fee has been agreed for the transfer, but there remains the hurdle of personal terms.
Arteta factor
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Gunners boss Arteta was a 'decisive' factor in Zinchenko agreeing to come to the Emirates Stadium. “Zinchenko is another important talent, however," Romano wrote for CaughtOffside.
"The Ukraine international can play as left back, midfielder and help the team in many different ways. I’m not yet sure what his main role will be at the Emirates Stadium, but Mikel Arteta is big fan, the relationship is very good since he was at Man City.
"Zinchenko knows Arteta well and this is a decisive factor for the deal."
Signing of the summer?
Arsenal's impending move for Zinchenko has been labelled as the signing of the summer by former Crystal Palace midfielder Darren Ambrose. Speaking about the deal on talkSPORT, Ambrose said: "I think this could be one of the signings of the summer and I don’t like to say that because I’m a Spurs supporter. [Kieran] Tierney has his issues with injury so he’s more than adequate cover, but I think he’ll be going into midfield and I think it improves Arsenal’s midfield.
“When you watch him for Ukraine he plays in midfield, he gives you that bite, he’s clearly a leader as well, he’s clearly a good character. Mikel Arteta knows him from Manchester City so they’ve got a good relationship, Gabriel Jesus is already there.
“City and Arsenal have now got that relationship. City are not bothered about Arsenal at the moment so they’re sending them players for half decent prices as well. [For] £30million in today’s climate is a good price for a player I feel will go straight into Arsenal’s first team.”
Arsenal's announcement hope
Arsenal are keen to conclude a deal for Zinchenko early next week, as per Sky Sports. A fee with City has been agreed, leaving the Gunners to hash out personal terms with the player, something that is said to not be a problem. A potential deal has left Arsenal icon Ian Wright extremely excited. Speaking on his own podcast, he said: "Zinc is coming. Oh my God, the Zinc.”
Pre-season inclusion
Despite a deal for the 25-year-old progressing, Zinchenko has still been included in the Citizens' pre-season squad for their tour of the United States. However, all is not lost for Arsenal considering they are also currently in the States. The north London outfit defeated Everton in Baltimore on Sunday morning, with games against Orlando City and Chelsea on the horizon.
Agreement reached
With Manchester United set to complete the signing of Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, Mikel Arteta has turned his attention to alternative signings. And like he did with Gabriel Jesus, he has looked to his former employers with a deal now close.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided a further update on the deal with negotiations progressing at a rapid. rate. Taking to Twitter, the journalist wrote: "Arsenal and Manchester City have now reached verbal agreement in principle for Oleksandr Zinchenko, fee around £30million. Personal terms are still discussed. Salary and length of contract, in negotiation - key step to complete the agreement."
Talks ongoing
As per the Athletic, after accepting defeat in the race to sign Ajax star Lisandro Martinez, the Gunners have turned their attention to Zinchenko. Having already recruited Jesus from the Premier League champions this summer, the north London outfit are aiming to bring the Brazilian's former team-mate to the Emirates.
The report states that the clubs are in contact over a potential transfer and it's believed that City are open to sanctioning the 25-year-old’s exit for the right fee. Read more via this link.
Martinez impact
The Gunners were firstly interested in Lisandro Martinez because of his ability to play multiple positions, namely central defence, left-back and defensive midfield. Mikel Arteta planned to primarily use him as a left-back though, which didn't appeal to the Argentine.
On the other hand, Erik ten Hag wishes to play the 24-year-old in his more natural centre-back position, hence why the Red Devils are his preferred destination. With Martinez no longer an option, Arsenal have to turn their attention elsewhere. Click this link to find out more.
Guardiola explains Arteta decision
Pep Guardiola has already explained where Arteta is considering playing Zinchenko in the midfield. The Ukraine international has spent much of his time under Guardiola in defence. Nevertheless, speaking in April to Man City's media team, he admitted that Zinchenko is actually a midfielder: “In the position that we have in the midfield, in the pockets as the attacking midfielder," he said.
“That is his position, definitely. When we bought Oleks for £2million from Ukraine, he was a No.10 – a Phil Foden position, a creative player – but we didn’t have a left-back for many years.
“Fabian Delph adapted incredibly well in that position and Oleks as well. That’s happened because he is well-educated, he knows exactly what it means. He adapted and said: ‘Okay, what does the team need? I’m going to do it.'" Read more here.
Arteta plan
Arteta wants to sign Jesus' teammate Zinchenko as a midfield option. That's according to the Daily Mail, who say that the 25-year-old is viewed primarily as an asset to bolster the middle of the park who could be utilised at left-back when required.
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