Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Oleksandr Zinchenko is an exceptional footballer

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Mikel Arteta has all but confirmed that Oleksandr Zinchenko will sign for Arsenal in the coming days.

The Gunners faced Orlando City in Florida last night and picked up an impressive 3-1 win. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson sealed the win for Arteta’s men, but what caught everyone’s eye was a familiar face in the stands.

Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar was in attendance at the Exploria Stadium last night and right next to him was Zinchenko, who Arsenal are reportedly trying to sign this summer.

Arteta was quizzed about the Ukrainian after the game, and the Arsenal boss revealed that his club are just a few formalities away from completing Zinchenko’s signing.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Oleksandr Zinchenko is an exceptional footballer

In his press conference after the game, Arteta said, as per Arsenal.com: “Yeah, as you’ve seen he is here. 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.”

When asked if he’s a left-back or a midfielder, Arteta said: “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.”

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Zinchenko is a fantastic player and we’re not surprised that Arteta is delighted to have him.

The Gunners boss knows the Ukrainian really well thanks to their time together at Manchester City. He knows everything Zinchenko is capable of, and he probably has a plan for him at Arsenal already.

Zinchenko can play anywhere across the central midfield and also at left-back. He will give Arteta a lot of options, and with the five-substitutes rule kicking in as well, the Manchester City man could prove to be a hugely important player for the Gunners next season.

Arsenal face Chelsea in the final game of their American pre-season tour this weekend, and it will be interesting to see if Zinchenko will be available for selection.

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