Ukrainian international star Oleksandr Zinchenko finally has an address in London as Arsenal has officially announced the signing of the versatile 25-year-old four-time Premier League winner.
Announced via the club’s official website and Twitter account, Zinchenko becomes the fifth signing made by Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta this summer as the Gunners look to make a serious push for Champions Football moving forward.
💛🖤 Welcome, Alex 🖤💛
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 22, 2022
Zinchenko joins the ranks at the Emirates Stadium behind other key signings Gabriel Jesus and Fábio Vieira, as well as Brazilian youngster Marquinhos, and American international goalkeeper Matt Turner, taking the club’s summer transfer spending to a considerable £112m.
In quotes from the club’s website, Edu heralded the deal and the player, stating “I’m very pleased to see how we’re working as a team here in the club. 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.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 24: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Etihad Stadium on November 24, 2021 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
Capable of playing a prominent role as either a left-sided 8 in midfield, as a left-back, or even further forward in a central attacking role, Zinchenko boasts a versatile player profile that is at the heart of the recruitment remit championed by Arteta this summer at Arsenal.
The Gunners boss also spoke out regarding the completed deal after working directly with Zinchenko during his tenure on Pep Guardiola’s management staff as an assistant at Manchester City.
“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 defense. 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.”
With Arsenal said to still be in the running for further deals, possibly for one of Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans or Olympique Lyonnais’ Lucas Paqueta, speculation persists in what capacity Zinchenko will be deployed for Arsenal but it remains evident that his role will be an important one as the 2022-23 Premier League season lurks just around the corner.
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