Arsenal turn back to Oleksandr Zinchenko

Arsenal have lost out to Msnchester United in the chase for Lisandro Martinez of Ajax. Manchester United are reported to be in the final stages of completing the deal. This has led Edu and Arteta to turn back to a target that the club was rumoured to be interested in at the start of the transfer window.

This news was reported earlier today by The Athletic’s David Ornstein that the club had turned their attention to the Manchester City player.

Arsenal has been in the market for a player that can play in several positions, but primarily at left back because of the injury concerns over Kieran Tierney. Zinchenko is able to play at left back and midfield, similar to Martinez. Zinchenko. The current back up to Tierney, Nuno Tavares has had was inconsistent last season, with some very good performances, but many more mediocre and poor performances. Zinchenko is to be competition for Tierney rather than a backup, which means that Tierney may find it difficcult to get into the team after recovery from his latest injury.

It’s believed that Manchester City would be interested in a deal for the player if their valuation of £30m to £35m is met.

Martinez is likely to cost Msnchester United in excess of £46m, compared to £35m for Zinchenko. The Manchester City player also has the advantage of having experience of playing in the Premier League, which makes this deal less of a risk than the deal for Martinez.

Arteta has worked with the player while at Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, so he knows the quality of the player and what he can bring to the team. This deal should make Arsenal as strong on the left side of the defence as the right.