Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Mikel Arteta is eager to sign a new left-back for Arsenal this summer due to concerns regarding Oleksandr Zinchenko.
After six trophy-filled years at Manchester City, Zinchenko signed a £32 million contract to join Arsenal and left the Etihad in July 2022. Zinchenko made 33 appearances in all competitions in his debut season in North London, demonstrating promise in an inverted full-back role.
The Ukrainian has already played in 33 games this season, despite his declining play. For that reason, this season Arteta has sometimes been forced to start left-footed center-half Jakub Kiwior at left defense.
After Zinchenko struggled in Arsenal’s devastating 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa, former Gunners goalkeeper David Seaman criticized him, saying, “I know he likes to go into midfield, but watching Zinchenko in that left-back position, sometimes he gives the ball away in really important positions.”
“Everyone gets on edge because he was caught out a couple of times.”
There have been rumors recently suggesting that Arsenal will attempt to sign a new left-back in the summer. A move like that would provide Arteta another alternative at the position and increase pressure on Zinchenko to perform better.
Transfer guru Romano disclosed that there’s a strong likelihood Arsenal will acquire a new left-back in his most recent Daily Briefing column.
“I can confirm that Arsenal may look to add a new left-back in the summer, as has been reported,” he stated.
Arsenal is acquiring Fabrizio Romano as a new left-back.
“Getting a new left-back during the summer transfer window is a possibility, but it’s not guaranteed just yet as they need to hold more meetings to discuss their summer plans.”
Since those talks will take place once the season is over, it is still uncertain whether Arsenal would sell Zinchenko.
The journalist continued, “There has also been some speculation regarding Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future, but from what I understand, nothing has been discussed with him yet; the full focus is on the final weeks of the season before that.”
Romano did not specify which left-back Arsenal is most interested in, although they have lately entered the competition for Alex Grimaldo, the star of Bayer Leverkusen.
Grimaldo, a left wing-back with an amazing nine goals and 13 assists from 29 games, was a key component in Leverkusen’s historic first-ever Bundesliga triumph.
The Spaniard, who is also desired by Liverpool and Bayern Munich, is thought by Arsenal scouts to make a fantastic left-wing pair with Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal is reportedly interested in Girona star Miguel Gutierrez, so Grimaldo is not the only left-back or left wing-back they are scouting. Many of Europe’s top clubs, including Arsenal, have taken notice of the 22-year-old due to his outstanding performances in La Liga.