SEVEN Clubs Enquired About Manchester City Star Ahead Of Imminent Transfer To Arsenal

Ahead of the 2022/23 season, Manchester City have uncharacteristically initiated a massive squad overhaul.

However, Pep Guardiola once famously emphasised the importance of freshening up the dressing room every few years in order to push the squad to maintain their laser-sharp focus towards lifting silverware.

Keeping that in mind, the likes of Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega have joined the Premier League champions.

Perhaps the more pertinent aspect of rejigging the Sky Blues’ squad has taken place in terms of the high-profile exits this summer.

The likes of Fernandinho, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling have left the club for pastures new, with Zack Steffen soon to accompany the trio.

Another name who could become a part of the process to build a new-look City side is Oleksandr Zinchenko.

On Thursday, the ever-reliable David Ornstein of the Athletic revealed that Arsenal are working on a deal to sign the 25-year-old.

It was also mentioned that the two sides have been in contact about the potential transfer for the Ukrainian international.

That deal is now close to completion, with Ornstein confirming on Monday that City are set to pocket £30 million for his move to the Emirates.

🚨 EXCL: Arsenal finalising move for Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City after reaching agreement in principle on 4yr contract. Fee £30m + £2m achievable adds & now personal terms in place too. If all goes to plan, medical then sign @TheAthleticUK #MCFC #AFC https://t.co/H1ltVpVjK5

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 18, 2022

A key reason behind the player’s departure was in order to be handed regular starting minutes as a midfielder in the upcoming campaign.

However, it is worth noting that Zinchenko was spotted in pre-season training with the club recently.

As his future at the Etihad Stadium looks to be edging towards a conclusion, a fresh update has provided some clarity regarding his summer options.

According to a report by Graeme Bailey of 90min, six clubs in the Premier League enquired about Oleksandr Zinchenko’s potential availability - including Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Wolves.

However, the interest in the player stretched beyond England as well, with the likes of AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus keen on his signature.

Arsenal were the ones that intensified their efforts to land the former FC Ufa man, after reportedly losing out in the race to sign versatile target Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United.

Interestingly, it has been mentioned that Mikel Arteta’s men wish to sign Zinchenko primarily as a midfielder.

This is despite his success at left-back over the last few years - which could perhaps be a major green flag for Zinchenko.