Manchester City Left-Back Is On The Radar Of Arsenal: Should Pep Cut Him Loose?

In a recent report, The Telegraph stated that Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is on the radar of Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window. It is believed that the Gunners are showing interest in recruiting the Man City talent in this off-season.

Zinchenko’s Impressive Campaign At Manchester This Season

Zinchenko has enjoyed a successful season at the Etihad Stadium as he helped Man City win the Premier League title earlier this month. The 25-year-old has featured in 28 matches for the Mancunian outfit during this campaign, picking up five assists in the process across all competitions.

The 48-time Ukraine international has caught the eye at times at both ends of the field based on his average of 1.3 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 0.8 shots, 1.1 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been excellent when distributing possession from the left flank, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 90.7% in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).

Should Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Cut Zinchenko Loose This Summer?

Zinchenko is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his side on the defensive third of the pitch. He usually clears the danger when needed and can also create some promising chances for others around him from the left wing.

The Swedish full-back knows Pep Guardiola‘s playing style quite well by now. Hence, losing him to Arsenal will be a bitter pill to swallow for Man City this summer as he has become such an important member of their squad. Furthermore, his current contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to run out in the summer of 2024, so Guardiola is in no urgent need to let him go in this off-season.

Still, the Mancunian giants would be better off cashing in on Zinchenko and bringing in a more proven replacement during this summer transfer period.

Even though the Swede has taken a few strides towards improving himself over the past couple of seasons, there are some concerns over whether he is good enough to start for Man City week in week out. Therefore, Guardiola should consider cutting Zinchenko loose later this year.