Mikel Arteta reveals his plan for Arsenal’s newest signing

The Gunners are on the brink of completing a reported £32 million transfer for Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed how he plans to take advantage of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s versatility.

The 25-year-old Ukrainian is on the verge of joining Arsenal from Manchester City for an initial fee of £30 million plus a further £2 million in add-ons, bringing the final amount to £32 million.

Zinchenko, who worked under Arteta during the Spaniard’s spell as City manager Pep Guardiola’s assistant, has accepted personal terms. He watched the club’s 3-1 friendly win over MLS side Orlando City on Wednesday from the stands, alongside technical director Edu.

“Yeah, as you’ve seen he is here,” said Arteta at a post-match press conference about Zinchenko’s presence.

“There are still a few formalities to get everything completed, but we’re really happy to have him. I know the player really well. He’s an exceptional footballer, and he is someone that is going to bring as well another competitive edge to that dressing room.”

🗣 "He's here. Really happy to have him."

Mikel Arteta can't hide his excitement that Oleksandr Zinchenko has signed for Arsenal pic.twitter.com/Xwbdul3Igd

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 21, 2022

What will Zinchenko bring to Arsenal?

Aside from a winning mentality, Zinchenko’s versatility is a valuable asset for Arsenal. The Ukraine international can play in central midfield and as a left-back.

Asked which position Zinchenko will occupy at the Emirates, Arteta replied: “Both, he can play in both.

“He was a natural No.10 early in his career and we converted him into a left-back which can do a lot of things that we want in our way of playing.

“That versatility is something that is going to be important for the team because we have players in that position who are more specific full-back, so I’m really happy.”

Zinchenko made 127 appearances in all competitions for City across a six-year spell. He managed two goals and 12 assists on route to 11 trophies. These included four league titles, four Carabao Cups, and one FA Cup.

The former PSV Eindhoven man famously assisted Rodri’s equalizer against Aston Villa on the final day of last season to help the Citizens come from behind to win and lift the Premier League.