Arsenal are considering a move for Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko, according to reports.
The Gunners are already weighing up an offer for Gabriel Jesus, who is said to be open to leaving the Etihad Stadium. And Mikel Arteta, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola's assistant in Manchester, is also interested in a reunion with Zinchenko.
The Ukraine international played a pivotal role in City's title-winning victory over Aston Villa last weekend. However, he is not a guaranteed starter under Guardiola and is rarely used in his favoured role of attacking midfield.
That is the position Zinchenko often plays for his country, but he has been repurposed as a full-back at City.
According to the Daily Mail, Arteta is a big fan of the 25-year-old and could try to prise him away from his former employers ahead of next season. However, the report states that Arsenal would likely face competition for Zinchenko's signature.
And Guardiola would no doubt rather keep hold of a useful squad player as City attempt to defend their Premier League title and win the Champions League in 2022/23. Zinchenko still has two years left to run on his contract, so City are not under any immediate pressure to cash in.
But Arsenal hope that the prospect of starting more often will appeal to a player who is now approaching his peak years. And if City complete a deal for Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella, that could push Zinchenko closer to the exit door.
Arsenal will be looking to add greater strength in depth to their squad after narrowly missing out on a top-four finish. Despite thrashing Everton 5-1 on the final day, Arsenal finished two points behind Tottenham in the race for the final Champions League qualification spot.
The Gunners will be in the Europa League next term, which is another reason why Arteta will want to pad out his squad.
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Arsenal have been linked with one Borussia Dortmund star whose contract is up in 2023 – and he doesn't look likely to renew.
The rumour mill is going into overdrive over who Arsenal will bring in to fill the centre-forward spot in the team next season. Tammy Abraham has been heavily linked since last summer with those whispers refusing to go away, Ivan Toney has entered the frame as an option, while "the new Thierry Henry" has been touted.
Gabriel Jesus is a big rumour doing the rounds right now, as is Darwin Nunez, who Manchester United are reportedly closer to signing. Another Brazilian wonderkid is also apparently in talks.
