"Special relationship" to keep Bayern Munich target at Arsenal

Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has been reportedly linked with a move to the Bundesliga at the end of the season but it is a close relationship with his boss at the Emirates that could well see him turn down any move to the continent.

The German Giants Bayern Munich are on the look out to bolster their defensive line as they are believed to be resolved to the fact that Alphonso Davies is set for a La Liga move to Real Madrid this summer. The former Manchester City and Ukrainian international 27-year-old is said to be highly thought of, according to reports from the Mirror, but the left-back's relationship with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is likely to see him remain in the English capital.

Zinchenko joined the Emirates club in 2022 following a move from Manchester City - where he had played under Arteta during the latter's stint under Pep Guardiola. Arteta had so much of an impact on the Ukrainian that Zinchenko admitted to shedding tears when the Spanish boss moved down to London.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the Ukrainian international said: "I remember when Mikel was leaving City, I didn't hold my emotions. I couldn't because this guy was so special to me. He taught me a lot, as a human being he was incredible and the way he was working with us young players after every single training session, the advice he was giving everyone, was something incredibly important for me.

"I said to my circle: if one day I'm going to leave City and I'm going to stay in the Premier League, it will only be one manager: Mikel Arteta."

The 27-year-old began his youth career with Shakhtar Donetsk before moving to Ufa for one season in 2015. He then joined the Citizens in 2016 spending time out on loan with PSV. After six years with the side, he followed Arteta down to North London for a reported fee of £30 million, potentially rising to £32m in add-ons and appears to be resolved to stay in Highbury despite any rising interest from Bayern Munich.