Arsenal increase interest in Oleksandr Zinchenko as Man City decide to keep Nathan Ake

Arsenal are pushing forward with their interest in Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, with Mikel Arteta hoping to sign a second player from his former club this summer.

Arteta, Pep Guardiola’s former assistant, has already seen the arrival of striker Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal after a £45 million deal was agreed with the Premier League champions.

Arsenal have a long-standing interest in Zinchenko and Telegraph Sport reported in May that they were hoping to convince him to move to north London.

It comes as City have decided to keep defender Nathan Ake at the club despite interest from Chelsea. It is understood the possible departure of Zinchenko is not linked to Ake’s situation, however. 

Ake appeared to be heading towards Stamford Bridge but Chelsea did not meet City’s valuation of the player, who is said to be happy to remain in Manchester. 

Riyad Mahrez, the City winger, will also be staying at the Etihad Stadium after agreeing a new contract at the club. The 31-year-old has signed a three-year contract, keeping him at City until 2025. 

Arsenal have progressed in their move for Zinchenko after missing out on Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, who is instead set to join Manchester United for a fee of around £46m.

Arteta and technical director Edu are looking for cover for left-back Kieran Tierney and are also hoping to strengthen in central midfield. Zinchenko, who joined City in 2016, is capable of filling both those roles.

The 25-year-old can operate as a full-back, winger, central midfielder and attacking midfielder, and the tactical similarities between Arteta and Guardiola means he is accustomed to Arsenal’s desired style of play.

Although a deal has not been finalised there is optimism that Arsenal will be able to