Featured Image Credit: Arsenal & Alamy
Topics: Manchester City, Arsenal, Kevin De Bruyne, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Daniel Marland
Topics: Manchester City, Arsenal, Kevin De Bruyne, Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko asked if Arsenal fans were aware the club signed him instead of Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in his first interview.
The Ukraine international penned a long-term contract with the Gunners on Friday and he is their second arrival from City in this transfer window, after Gabriel Jesus.
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Zinchenko is looking forward to getting started at the Emirates Stadium but he had to clear something up immediately.
He and former teammate De Bruyne look alike and the 25-year-old wanted to make sure he was the player everyone actually wanted.
During an interview with 'Frimmy', Zinchenko joked: "Do they know that I'm not De Bruyne? Straight away I need to ask because maybe they're confused. You surprised me, you surprised me a bit."
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De Bruyne is regarded as one of the best midfielders in world football and is a key part of Pep Guardiola's side, who have won four of the last five Premier League titles.
Zinchenko thinks he is better looking though. Take every victory you can.
He continued: "[The comparison] was just in the beginning. I'm much, much, much more handsome than him.
"We're not talking about football skills but come on, you cannot compare. He knows, he knows."
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Zinchenko played as a left-back at the Etihad Stadium but operates in midfield for his country.
That versatility will be valuable for an Arsenal side back in the Europa League and it gives manager Mikel Arteta options.
Arteta knows all about his new signing, having worked as Guardiola's assistant for three years.
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It is currently unknown where Zinchenko will play most, but he is keen to get started.
He told Arsenal's official website: "First of all I would like to say this is a boyhood dream come true, because I was a massive fan when I was a kid.
"Since Thierry Henry and young Cesc Fabregas was playing here, I was just enjoying watching those games, that Arsenal.
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"And obviously I started to love this club, so I am so excited and I cannot wait to play for this amazing club."
Zinchenko has joined up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour of the US and he could feature against Chelsea in the early hours of Sunday morning.
As well as Zinchenko and Jesus, Arsenal have signed midfielder Fabio Vieira from Porto and goalkeeper Matt Turner from New England Revolution. Brazilian teenager Marquinhos has also been snapped up from Sao Paulo.