The Spanish coach has made a top-class striker his number one priority and is looking to lure Gabriel Jesus to north London, with the champions prepared to cash in on a player who only has one year left on his contract – particularly with Erling Haaland set to join.
But there are other areas in Arsenal’s squad that also need addressing, with Arteta looking for a new central midfielder and a backup left-back.
According to the Daily Mail, he may be able to kill two birds with one stone by signing Zinchenko – who is capable of playing in both midfield and defence.
The Ukrainian was originally signed as a central midfielder – where he continues to play for the national team – but was moved to left-back by Pep Guardiola.
Arteta, however, believes Zinchenko’s best position remains in midfield and is hoping the promise of playing in his preferred role could be enough to convince him to forgo Champions League football and move to the Emirates.
Zinchenko – like Jesus – enjoyed a good relationship with Arteta when the Spaniard was working as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
Of the 25-year-old’s 28 appearances across all competitions this season, the vast majority have come at left-back and that would provide the cover Arteta is looking for, with the Gunners reluctant to use up much of their budget on someone who would only be backup to Kieran Tierney – particularly given that they already have Nuno Tavares in that role.
As with Jesus, Guardiola will not stand in the way of Zinchenko if he asks for a move – providing the terms of the deal are acceptable.
However, Arsenal are not the only club interested in the versatile defender-cum-midfielder, while they also face significant competition for Jesus – not least from north London rivals Tottenham.
City, meanwhile, are looking to sign Brighton’s Marc Cucurella and Zinchenko’s departure would not only free up a space in the squad for the Spaniard but also provide funds towards his transfer fee.
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