‘Talks progressing’ as Arsenal close in on £35m transfer for Manchester City star

Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, with talks between the two clubs progressing well.

Having already done business with City this summer in signing Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal have good lines of communication with key decision makers at the Etihad.

The powerbrokers in Manchester are willing to let Zinchenko leave for around £35million in order to free up space to sign Brighton’s Marc Cucurella.

Arteta has prioritised a left-sided defender and after pulling out of the race for Lisandro Martinez due to the high fee and the player’s preference to play centrally, the Gunners boss has his sights set on the Manchester City left back.

The two enjoyed a good relationship during their time together during Arteta’s time as a coach there and the Gunners boss views him as an ideal fit as a versatile, Premier League proven player.

This is also not the first time that Arsenal have looked at signing him, having registered interest in previous transfer windows and even making late enquiries on deadline day of the 2020 summer window.

It is that versatility that makes Zinchenko a particularly attractive option.

His ability to play in different systems as a left back, an inverted fullback and even as a central midfielder - which throughout his early career was his preferred position - would give Arsenal much needed strength in depth.

Couple that with Kieran Tierney’s injury record, the Ukrainian provides solid competition and cover in an area in which they struggled last term, with Nuno Tavares’ inexperience proving a sticking point for Arsenal.

On the topic of Tavares, any deal for Zinchenko would likely see the 22-year-old leave the Emirates, with a number of clubs including Marseille reportedly very keen on bringing him in on loan.

Zinchenko himself, at just 25, fits the profile of young players that Arteta is intent on building his squad around.

Entering his prime years, he brings a wealth of experience: 10 major honours including four Premier League titles and 52 international caps, as well as the record for the youngest ever player to captain Ukraine - against France, aged 24 years and 98 days.

At this stage of his career, the player is seeking the opportunity to play regular football and establish himself at a top club.

With Arsenal offering him the chance to do just that, it is thought the defender is very open to the move.

There is still work to be done with regard to agreeing a total fee with Manchester City before Arsenal can press ahead and agree personal terms with the player.

That said, things are thought to be moving quickly in the right direction and all parties are growing in confidence that a deal could be wrapped up sooner rather than later.