Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described Oleksandr Zinchenko as an “outstanding footballer” before his £32m move from Manchester City.
Speak after a 3-1 win over Orlando City on the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the US, Arteta said: “As you can see, he’s here [in Orlando]. There’s still some formalities to get things done but we’re really happy to have him.
“I know this player very well, he is an outstanding player and he is the one who will give us another competitive edge in that dressing room.”
Arteta also shed light on where he could deploy the Ukraine international, who played at left-back under Pep Guardiola and was used in midfield at international level. “He can play at both,” added Arteta.
“He was a natural No 10 early in his career and we switched him into a left-back [at Manchester City], which can do many of the things we want in our gameplay. That flexibility is important for the team because we have players in that position who are more specific full-backs, so I’m really happy.
“[Versatility] was one of the things and the way we were able to adjust the structure, formation and rotation within the squad and play with the same players in a different way. Being more unpredictable is obviously important and that’s why we hired [versatile] player. “
‘We have a big squad, everything has to happen’
Zinchenko will be Arsenal’s fifth signing of the summer after signing Gabriel Jesus (£45m), Fabio Vieira (£34m), Matt Turner (£7.5m) and Marquinhos (£3m). , while Alexandre Lacazette remains the only one to leave the first team.
Arteta added: “We have a big squad. Good.
“We had to, and now we have to make things happen.
Why the flexible, dependable Zinchenko fits the Arsenal bill
Sky Sports football journalist Sam Blitz:
“Mikel Arteta has been considering additions at left-back and central midfield during this summer’s transfer window. The Gunners want Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez, who has experience playing in both positions as well as playing in both positions. centre-back, but is now switching to Manchester United Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans has also been eyed but that interest has cooled in recent weeks.
“There’s a reason why the Arsenal manager needs support in that role. At left-back, Kieran Tierney has picked up long-term injuries over the past two seasons at key times and while Nuno Tavares has been included. Signed last summer, the young Portuguese full-back struggled in key moments and ended up falling behind Cedric Soares and Granit Xhaka at left-back at the end of the season.
“In midfield, Xhaka was a mainstay in Arteta’s team but there was little competition for his specific role. Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga all competed for the same spot in midfield. Arsenal’s, let Xhaka kick number 8. .
“If he plays in midfield, a role he fills regularly at international level, Zinchenko will rival Xhaka at Arsenal – and a closer look at their respective heat maps. Last season showed that both play in the same area of the pitch, although the Ukrainian plays at left-back and the Arsenal player operates from midfield.
“On the ball, Zinchenko’s passing stats are superior to Xhaka’s – but that is to be expected because Guardiola’s Man City hold the ball and use it better than Arsenal. Zinchenko and Man City defend a lot worse than Arsenal. Arsenal last summer, but Ukraine international Zinchenko’s defensive stats won more tackles, intercepts and air challenges than the Swiss midfielder – a reminder that the two players operate in the same place. an area on the field.”
Pep: Zinchenko’s impact is huge
Pep Guardiola has hailed Oleksandr Zinchenko’s impact at Manchester City and says the success the Ukraine international has earned at Arsenal will be shared by his former club.
Before Zinchenko’s move to the Emirates, the Man City boss said: “Like Gabriel [Jesus] and Raheem [Sterling]The influence of those three players during my years here was huge.
“So we will miss them. They are special players, but under different circumstances they carry on.
“Chelsea and Arsenal are two incredible clubs and the success and happiness they have will be ours.
“For myself and I think on behalf of the club, our gratitude for their effort and the way they behave on and off the pitch.
“Yesterday was great for Oleks because we were able to say ‘goodbye’ properly. Unfortunately for Raheem and Gabriel, we couldn’t do it because it was summer, but yesterday during dinner together, we can say ‘goodbye’ to him.”
