Arsenal are finalising a move to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City, according to an emerging report from David Ornstein.
The Ukrainian has been a vital part of Pep Guardiola's four-time Premier League winning squad, but has always held a desire to enjoy regular game time.
On numerous occasions, the midfielder-turned-full-back has been close to leaving the Etihad Stadium, but instead opted to reject offers from elsewhere and fight for his position in the team.
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In 2016, the Blues signed Zinchenko from FC Ufa for just £1.8 million and broke into Guardiola's plans after a short loan spell at PSV.
With injury issues at left-back, the 25-year-old was trusted to fill that void in some of City's biggest games towards the end of 2019 and never let the Catalan down.
In fact, even with everyone fit and available, Zinchenko started in City's first-ever Champions League final against Chelsea in Porto.
Last season, the Ukraine international really failed to nail down a regular starting spot in the team and found himself further and further away from Guardiola's favoured personnel.
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But in typical Zinchenko fashion, he produced a stunning cameo on the final day that essentially won City the Premier League title.
Replacing Fernandinho at half-time, the left-back assisted Rodri for City's second goal, but his all-around display was the stuff of champions.
There was a thinking Zinchenko could, again, stay and fight for his place this season.
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However, Mikel Arteta's side are now putting the final touches on a four-year deal to snatch him from the Etihad Stadium.
City are set to pocket £30 million plus £2 million in achievable add-ons from his sale - signalling significant profit on their initial investment.
Personal terms over a contract were seen as the only stumbling block, but they have now been agreed and Zinchenko is keen to link up with the former City assistant coach at the Emirates.
If everything goes to plan, he will complete a medical and sign the final paperwork very soon.
Throughout the previous season, Zinchenko captured the hearts of the footballing world with his emotional displays in light of Russia's invasion of his home country, Ukraine.
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After winning the Premier League, the Ukrainian captain wrapped his nations flag around the trophy and shared an emotional moment with everyone inside the Etihad Stadium.
He was quickly embraced by his teammates, who must know the pain he has experienced in the last six months.
Sharing a particularly close relationship with the City fans, this move will be a tough one to take for all parties, but seems like the right step in his blossoming career.
Featured Image Credit: REUTERS / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
