Transfer Profile: Oleksandr Zinchenko

 
Oleksandr Zinchenko

Transfer Profile: Oleksandr Zinchenko

By Alec McQuarrie

Though not the main priority this summer, left back is still an area of concern for Mikel Arteta.  

Nuno Tavares’ performances have been unconvincing at best, especially in the latter half of the season, and Kieran Tierney’s injury problems show no sign of abating.  

While none would question the quality of the Scot, he has missed on average 98 days or 17.5 games in each of his last four campaigns.  

What Arsenal need, then, is a left back who delivers regularly, both in terms of output and fitness.  

Could Oleksandr Zinchenko, who worked under Arteta for two-and-a-half years at Manchester City, be that man?  

Who is he?  

Zinchenko was born in the small town of Radomyshl in northern Ukraine.  

He captained the Shakhtar Donetsk youth team until the war in the Donbas forced the teenager and his family to move to Russia where he signed for FC Ufa.  

He stayed at the Russian Premier League side for just over a year before being snapped up by Pep Guardiola for £1.7 million at the very start of the Catalan’s reign.  

He was immediately loaned out to Eredivisie outfit PSV for the 2016-17 season and failed to make much of an impression, including in the following season on his return to City.  

Over the subsequent four campaigns, however, he has shown himself to be an effective cog in Guardiola’s machine, frequently rotated with a host of other full-backs.  

His displays for the national team have caught the eye too, where he has played a variety of positions, the vast majority in midfield.  

Not only that, but he is both Ukraine’s youngest ever goalscorer and their youngest ever captain.  

What would he bring to Arsenal?  

The versatile 25-year-old could solve two of Arteta’s most pressing problems simultaneously.  

Further options in central midfield are desperately required and reliable cover for Tierney is equally necessary.  

Zinchenko’s impressive performance against Scotland in which he created two big chances, three key passes and one assist was solid enough evidence in favour of his proficiency in midfield.  

Moreover, his showings at left back for Manchester City have been extremely steady if not spectacular.  

He very rarely gives the ball away and progresses the ball effectively, while the defensive side of his game has come on leaps and bounds under Guardiola.  

Verdict – should Arsenal sign him?  

There are few doubts over his availability, with City in a hot pursuit for Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, and so a valuation of £30 million for a squad player might seem excessive.  

But if a deal were done, Arteta would be assured of signing a dependable, tactically flexible and technically accomplished footballer.  

It would certainly be a wise signing, but one that should not take priority over the acquisition of a top class forward.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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