Oleksandr Zinchenko Makes Man City Decision Amid Arsenal Links

Arsenal target Oleksander Zinchenko is open to extending his stay at Manchester City, according to iNews. 

The Ukrainian star has been heavily linked to the Gunners amidst reports that Manchester City are looking to sign Brighton’s Marc Cucurella. However, with that news being speculation right now, the 25-year-old is open to staying at the Etihad with the plethora of world class talent at the club.

The left back was in stellar form for Ukraine during the recent World Cup qualifiers, operating as midfield Metronome against both Scotland and Wales, but succumbing to defeat against the latter. 

Arsenal will be keen to acquire the versatile Ukrainian’s services this summer, particularly with speculation that Portuguese u21 left back Nuno Tavares will be sent on loan. 

In the absence of Kieran Tierney, the defensive, transitional and offensive structures were substantially impacted, so having a player capable of playing both an orthodox and inverted full back role, as well as playing as a traditional 8 is said to be appealing to Arteta. 

Zinchenko’s contract has two years left to run, so this summer feels integral to his future. In a footballing landscape of players running down their contracts, the higher-ups at the Etihad will be keen to avoid such an event happening to them. 

Any deal being set in motion therefore feels contingent on the future of Marc Cucurella. The Brighton Player of the Season is in hot demand, and the suspicion in both London and Manchester is that if City acquire the services of the Spaniard, then Zinchenko may serve to be the sacrificial lamb.