2 years ago
As the deal's confidence grows, Arsenal "reaches agreement" on the £30 million move for Oleksandr Zinchenko
Manchester United beat Arsenal to the signing of Lisandro Martinez, but they have already moved on to their next choice in Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City.
Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City has agreed to join Arsenal, who had been pursuing him this summer. Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez's transfer now appears unlikely.
The Argentine became one of the Gunners' main targets this summer, but they weren't willing to pay the asking price for a player who might not have been first-choice at the Emirates. Manchester United has seized the opportunity and is now prepared to complete that particular transaction.
The Gunners have now switched to the alternative options in light of Mikel Arteta's current eagerness to organize a second Man City reunion this summer. In preparation for the next campaign, Gabriel Jesus already relocated from the Etihad, and Oleksandr Zinchenko may follow him.
Zinchenko left the Russian club Ufa in 2016 to join City, where he made 128 appearances, including 10 Premier League starts the previous year. Along with Jesus, Arsenal also acquired the creative midfielder Fábio Vieira, the back-up goalkeeper Matt Turner, and the 19-year-old striker Marquinhos, who has been dubbed "one for the future" by Edu, Arsenal's technical director.
Oleksandr Zinchenko will be purchased by Arsenal from Manchester City for somewhere around £30 million.
He should become Arsenal's sixth summer acquisition and their second from City after the £45 million acquisition of Gabriel Jesus, assuming personal details, including the length of the deal, can be agreed upon with the Ukraine international.
The Athletic reports that after finding no takers for Martinez, Arsenal turned to the 25-year-old. The Ukrainian has comparable qualities in terms of his adaptability and can play both as a left-back and in center midfield.
The deal has recently received another update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who noted that the negotiations are moving quickly. The journalist posted on Twitter: "Arsenal and Manchester City have now reached verbal agreement in principle for Oleksandr Zinchenko, fee around £30m. Personal terms are still discussed. Salary and length of contract, in negotiation - key step to complete the agreement."
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