OFFICIAL: Zinchenko joins Arsenal from Man City

Mueez Ajao

– Arsenal have completed the signing of versatile Ukraine player Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City.

– The 25-year-old flew back from City’s pre-season tour of the USA to complete the move after Arsenal agreed a £30m deal, which includes £2m in add-ons.

– He has signed a long-term contract with the London club and is their fifth signing of the summer.

Also Read: Arsenal reach an agreement with Man City to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko

💛🖤 Welcome, Alex 🖤💛
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 22, 2022

– “This is a boyhood dream come true, because I was a massive fan when I was a kid,” said Zinchenko.

Childhood dream: 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗱 ✅
2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣1️⃣ ➡️ 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/f1hZGkCzf9
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 22, 2022

– “Since Thierry Henry and young Cesc Fabregas was playing here, I was just enjoying watching those games, that Arsenal. And obviously I started to love this club, so I am so excited and I cannot wait to play for this amazing club.”

💬 "First of all I would like to say, this is a boyhood dream come true."
📺 Watch our first interview with our new signing now! 👇
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 22, 2022

– Predominantly a midfielder for his country, Zinchenko largely featured at left-back for the Blues, but only played 15 times last season as Pep Guardiola’s side retained the Premier League title.

– He says he has spoken to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta about his role in the team but would keep the details “private”, adding: “If the manager tells me one day I need to be goalkeeper, I will be there.”

– Zinchenko worked with Arteta when the Gunners’ boss was on the coaching team at Manchester City and says the experience played “the most important role” in his decision to move.

– “Since the first day at City I knew that he’s going to be a very good manager,” Zinchenko added.

– “I am here to achieve big things and I hope we can win some titles, and I hope we are going to fight for every title in which we are going to be involved.

– “Even from the last season, I was watching Arsenal’s games and I could smell it’s coming, you know? The team is growing up so quickly and I think it’s time. It’s time to do our best and to achieve something big.”

– Zinchenko is the second player to move from City to the Emirates this summer.

– Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus joined the Gunners for £45m earlier this month.

– Technical director Edu said Zinchenko had been a “main focus” in their recruitment and backed the new recruit to help the squad reach a “different level”.

🖊📄
Part of the family 🖤 pic.twitter.com/x4222gS0t9
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 22, 2022

– Manager Arteta added: “Alex is a high quality player who will give us options and versatility.

💬 "He was always the first one at training, the first one to get out the balls, the first one to practise, the first one to demand more."
🎙 @M8Arteta
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 22, 2022

– “He’s a player that I personally know really well and continued to follow him after my time at Manchester City.

– “It’s not only about the positions he can play but as well, the versatility he will give us in attack and defence.