Oleksandr Zinchenko says 26-year-old is Arsenal player he is closest to

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Oleksandr Zinchenko has named the Arsenal player he is probably closest to, admitting that it is tough to pick one over anyone else.

Oleksandr Zinchenko will definitely be remembered as an incredibly important signing during Mikel Arteta’s tenure. The Ukraine international arrived from Manchester City after winning four Premier League titles.

He took little time to establish himself as a key player in the side. Despite speculation that he could come into the team as a central midfielder, the 27-year-old has made the majority of his appearances at left-back.

Oleksandr Zinchenko says he’s closest with Gabriel Jesus

And it was Zinchenko who helped establish the blueprint for how Arsenal now play. His ability to play an inverted full-back made such a difference to the Gunners’ fortunes.

But he is not the only player who appeared to have a major impact on the standards in North London, as Gabriel Jesus had made the same move earlier in the 2022 summer transfer window.

And speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Zinchenko suggested that the Brazilian is probably the player he has the strongest bond with.

“It’s difficult to choose the player I am closest to, but if I choose one then it is Gabriel Jesus – because I have known him longer than my wife! I’m joking, but I have known him for a long time,” he said.

“We both have kids now, so our schedules mean it’s quite hard to spend time together as families, but it’s nice to share experiences with players from different countries and cultures, though we all speak the same language, football language, which is understood all around the world.

“Actually, I have always wanted to go to Brazil, so it’s nice now to have friends through football that I can ask about this country and give me advice.”

Arsenal’s progress has been rapid

It says everything about the progress that Arsenal have made that neither Zinchenko or Jesus probably get into the team right now.

Of course, they are going to have massive roles to play over the remainder of the season. But the Gunners are flying right now, with Jakub Kiwior playing at left-back and Kai Havertz up front.

There was a time when Zinchenko and Jesus appeared to be the first names on the team sheet. But in less than two years, Arsenal are a very different animal now.