‘Outstanding’: TalkSPORT pundit claims Arsenal are on the verge of making a ‘great signing’

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Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinechnko would be a ‘great signing’ for Arsenal, says TalkSPORT pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal are on the verge of signing Zinchenko, with the deal set to be announced imminently.

The 25-year-old looks set to become Mikel Arteta’s fifth summer signing after adding Gabriel Jesus, Matt Turner, Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos to the squad.

And former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has heaped praise on the player and says it will be a brilliant signing for Arsenal.

Agbonlahor says Zinchenko would be great signing for Arsenal

Speaking on the TalkSPORT breakfast show, Agbonlahor told listeners that he thinks Zinchenko is an outstanding player.

He said: “I rate him highly. I rated him before the Nations League and I watched him against Scotland and he was outstanding. His passing range and getting into little tight spaces, he was unbelievable and that’s what Arsenal need.”

The former Premier League striker also feels the City man will start for Arsenal in midfield or defence.

He said on TalkSPORT: “They need better cover for left-back, Tierney has his injury problems and centre-midfield. I feel that Zinchenko is starting. He’s either starting left-back or centre-midfield. He’s not coming from Manchester City to be a bit-part player and cover.

“Great signing for Arsenal. People are questioning the fee, I don’t see a problem with it.”

In response, Scotland legend Ally McCoist agreed wholeheartedly with Agbonlahor and feels he will be a brilliant signing for the Gunners.

The Ukraine international joined City back in 2017 and has been used as an important squad player for Pep Guardiola. But he only managed 15 appearances in the Premier League last season and looks to be seeking a move for more regular playing time.

If Zinchenko does complete the switch to North London as expected, he’ll find familiar company at the Emirates. He was previously coached by Arteta at City and played with Jesus under Guardiola.

TBR’s View: Arsenal are using Arteta’s links to their advantage

After missing out on Champions League football last season, Arsenal fans may have been concerned about the calibre of player they could attract this summer. But if the Zinchenko deal is completed as expected, they’ll have two Premier League winners in their squad in him and Jesus.

This may be down to Arteta’s previous relationships with the pair as he was previously Guardiola’s assistant coach at the Etihad. Without the history between Arteta and City players, these deals may have been more difficult to pull off.