Arsenal have confirmed the signing of versatile Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Edu and Mikel Arteta lauding the transfer.
The Ukraine international, who has signed a four-year contract, becomes the fifth signing of a busy Gunners transfer window so far. Following the arrivals of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Matt Turner and Marquinhos, Zinchenko is another welcome addition.
The 25-year-old leaves the Etihad Stadium after six years gaining expertise in a range of roles under Pep Guardiola.
But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who was previously Guardiola’s assistant, also has a strong relationship with Zinchenko.
And that proved a decisive factor in the north London club getting an initial £30million deal – with £2million in add-ons – over the line for him.
Arteta told his club’s official website: “We’re so happy Alex has joined us. He’s a player that I personally know really well and continued to follow him after my time at Manchester City.
“Alex is a high quality player who will give us options and versatility. It’s not only about the positions he can play but as well, the versatility he will give us in attack and defence.
“Alex is a person with great human qualities and character, and I’m delighted that everyone has made this huge effort to bring Alex to the club.”
Zinchenko can play at full-back as well as in midfield and Arsenal therefore hope he can prove a vital asset.
Indeed, Arsenal recruitment chief Edu insisted that the Ukrainian can take his new team to a “different level”.
Edu lauds Arsenal for Zinchenko transfer
“I’m very pleased to see how we’re working as a team here in the club,” Edu said.
“We put a plan together early and Oleksandr Zinchenko was a main focus on our list.
“We’re pleased to have Alex with us now because he has the attributes which I’m sure are going to put our squad at a different level.”
Zinchenko played 127 times for Man City, chipping in with two goals and 12 assists.
Arsenal are now reportedly targeting a midfielder as they look to finally finish next season with a top-four Premier League finish.
Latest signing a strong one
Arsenal initially turned to Zinchenko because they wanted cover at left-back, but they are getting a player who can offer so much more.
Indeed, his ability to cover in midfield could prove priceless if injuries hit Arteta’s team.
But he may even get minutes in midfield without injuries. Kieran Tierney is Arsenal’s undisputed left-back and Arteta will not want to hold Zinchenko back after his arrival at 25 and with 76 Premier League appearances under his belt.
In any case, the signing looks like a shrewd one from Arsenal and one that can offer them exciting opportunities in more than one position.