Arsenal legend David O'Leary surprised the club was allowed to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko

Former Arsenal defender David O'Leary was left surprised that Arsenal were able to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer.

Zinchenko arrived at the Emirates from Manchester City in a deal worth around £30 million, in what is proving to be a major snip.

The Ukranian has become one of Arsenal's most influential signings, playing an integral role in Mikel Arteta's extraordinary title charge this season.

While the 26-year-old has been tipped to win the Premier League's 'Player of the Season' award.

However, O'Leary remains baffled why Manchester City let him go, with Pep Guardiola's side currently stretched across the back line.

What did he say?

O'Leary, who made a record 722 first team appearances for Arsenal, has been left impressed by Zinchenko's remarkable form.

"Zinchenko has been a revelation. I can’t understand why Man City sold him," O'Leary told talkSPORT.

"Is he a left-back? I mean, he is quite happy to play in midfield. He can handle the ball so well. He is such a good player. What a great addition."

Arteta also poached Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, who played a crucial part in the Gunners' explosive start to the campaign.

A knee injury banished him to the sidelines for over three months, but he has since returned to action, scoring a brace during Arsenal's 4-1 demolition of Leeds last weekend.

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The two signings could well make the difference to lifting the Premier League title over their nearest rivals Manchester City.

Indeed, Pep Guardiola might not have expected to be caught up in a title race with his former assistant, after the Gunners' vulnerabilities were laid bare for all to see last season, as they blew their chance of a Champions League finish.

However, Arteta has turned his side into serial winners, calving out an eight-point lead at the top of the table, with nine games left of the season.

Topics: Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Football, Premier League, Manchester City

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno