Mikel Arteta is actively pursuing a new left-back for Arsenal’s upcoming season, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the club’s concerns regarding Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Zinchenko, who enjoyed a successful six-year stint with Manchester City, made a significant move to Arsenal in July 2022 for a fee of £32million.
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In his debut season with the Gunners, Zinchenko made a strong impression, playing an inverted full-back role in 33 matches across various competitions.
This season, he has matched the number of appearances, but his performance levels have seen a noticeable decline. Consequently, Arteta has occasionally deployed the left-footed centre-back Jakub Kiwior in the left-back position.
Zinchenko’s struggles were particularly evident during Arsenal’s critical 2-0 loss to Aston Villa at home, which led to criticism from ex-Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman regarding his performance.
He said: “Watching Zinchenko in that left-back position, I know he likes to go into midfield, but sometimes he gives the ball away in really important positions.
“He got caught out a couple of times and that puts everybody on edge.”
Recent speculations suggest that Arsenal is eyeing a new left-back for the summer transfer window. This potential acquisition would likely increase the competition for Oleksandr Zinchenko, challenging him to elevate his game. Additionally, it would provide Mikel Arteta with an alternative choice for the role.
In his most recent update for the Daily Briefing, renowned transfer expert Romano has indicated that there’s a strong possibility of Arsenal securing a new left-back in the near future.
“As has been reported, I can confirm that it’s a possibility for Arsenal to go for a new left-back in the summer,” he said.
“It’s not guaranteed yet because they still have to hold more meetings to discuss their summer plans, but a new left-back is one of the possibilities for the summer transfer window.”
It is still unclear whether Arsenal will sell Zinchenko though, as those talks will take place once this season is finished.
“There’s also been some speculation about the future of Oleksandr Zinchenko but my understanding is that nothing has been discussed yet with him – the full focus is on the final weeks of the season before that,” the journalist added.
While Romano has not specified which left-back has caught Arsenal’s eye, the club has shown a keen interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s standout Alex Grimaldo.
Grimaldo has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph, contributing an impressive tally of nine goals and 13 assists in just 29 matches from the left wing-back position.
Arsenal’s talent scouts believe that Grimaldo, who is also on the radar of Liverpool and Bayern Munich, would complement Gabriel Martinelli well on Arsenal’s left side.
Beyond Grimaldo, Arsenal is also keeping tabs on Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez. The 22-year-old has made waves in La Liga with his performances, drawing interest from Arsenal and a host of other top European clubs.
