Mikel Arteta says Oleksandr Zinchenko will bring versatility and a serious work ethic to Arsenal after the Ukrainian became the club’s fifth signing of the summer.
Zinchenko arrives from Manchester City having played most of his football in England as a left-back but it’s widely expected the 25-year-old will be asked to do more than provide competition to Kieran Tierney at the Emirates.
For his country, he regularly plays in midfield and Arteta, who worked with the player for two years while a coach at the Etihad, has previously referenced Zinchenko’s background as number 10.
“We’re so happy Alex has joined us,” Arteta told Arsenal.com.
“He’s a player that I personally know really well and continued to follow him after my time at Manchester City. Alex is a high quality player who will give us options and versatility.
“It’s not only about the positions he can play but as well, the versatility he will give us in attack and defence. Alex is a person with great human qualities and character, and I’m delighted that everyone has made this huge effort to bring Alex to the club.”
The boss clearly believes he’s snapped up a player of serious quality but it’s Zinchenko’s hard-working mentality that left a serious impression during their time together at City.
“Who he is as a person, what he stands for, the strong character that he has, and then the passion that he has for this game,” said Arteta explaining why the new acquisition was so appealing.
“It’s something that I will never forget because he was always the first one in training (at City), the first one to get out the balls, the first one to practise, the first one to always demand for more, his level of attention, and decide to play at the highest level and fulfil his potential.
“It’s something, and a quality, that in my opinion for any footballer is something unique.”
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