Arsenal are set to complete another signing in this window, if reports from Fabrizio Romano are to be believed. Romano’s first update stated that the club were scheduling medicals as well as an official contract to offer Manchester City‘s Oleksandr Zinchenko.
That initial report puts the fee for the player at £30 million with the player eager to work with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. Romano followed up with a report that The Gunners are already planning the unveiling of their new signings with a medical set to begin soon.
Arsenal are already preparing official contracts and then schedule medical tests for Oleksandr Zinchenko. Deal in place for £30m fee with Man City – player accepted as he's happy to work again with Arteta. 🇺🇦🤝 #AFC
Man City, prepared to push on Cucurella in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/4ySogcGKgG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2022
Arsenal Closing In on Oleksandr Zinchenko
Defensive Signing
With this signing, Arteta’s side have added a defender to their squad, which is something they have been after for the duration of the window. Initially, the club were linked with Lisandro Martinez but the Argentine defender ended up at Manchester United for a much higher fee than Zinchenko costs.
Read More: Arsenal Focus On Signing Versatile Manchester City Star After Missing Out on Ajax Defender
The 25-year-old Ukrainian has been with Manchester City since 2016 and, after a loan spell in Holland, solidified a spot for himself in the squad. In five seasons with the Manchester side, he made 128 appearances across all competitions, occasionally stepping into midfield where needed.
🚨 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle with Oleksandr Zinchenko over a four-year contract.
Man City will receive a £30m fee + £2m in add ons.
(Source: @David_Ornstein) pic.twitter.com/PEYvH81laV
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 18, 2022
Who Will Replace the Versatile Star?
The reigning Premier League Champions are not waiting around as they have reportedly already set their sights on a replacement for the 2019 Ukrainian Footballer of the Year. Romano’s initial report mentions Marc Cucurella as the current target. The Spanish left-back has impressed at Brighton & Hove Albion since joining in 2021 and at just 23 years old, still has time to develop his game.
Read More: Oleksandr Zinchenko on Verge of Leaving Manchester City for Premier League Rivals
Top clubs don’t waste any time and Pep Guardiola’s team will likely move fast to replace their Arsenal-bound defender.