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Oleksandr Zinchenko may be heading for the Etihad exit door — but there will be no shortage of suitors for the Ukraine star.
The versatile operator has struggled to nail down a starting berth at Manchester City and is reportedly set to be sold this summer.
His availability has piqued the interest of clubs across the Premier League, with Arsenal, Newcastle and Everton all believed to be in the running to secure his signature.
Ahead of Ukraine’s Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland this evening, we consider where Zinchenko could be playing next season.
City champion
Zinchenko has been a tremendous servant during his six years in Manchester, winning an impressive 10 trophies with the Citizens.
The 25-year-old also had a significant hand in City’s Premier League title triumph this season — changing the game as a half-time substitute during the 3-2 final day comeback win over Aston Villa.
And manager Pep Guardiola is certainly aware of the 50-cap international’s qualities.
Speaking back in April, he said: “He [Zinchenko] is a reliable player, honestly. Sometimes when he plays less or didn’t perform like normal, it’s because he’s a human being.
“What happens in his country, we cannot forget it. I know Oleks — the way he played is not necessary for us to know who he is.
“He is focused, a guy who handles the pressure, otherwise he would not have played the final of the Champions League.”
Etihad exit
However, Zinchenko was largely a bit-part player in City’s side last season, playing just 1044 Premier League minutes.
The Radomyshl native had difficulty breaking into the first XI, with first-choice left-back Joao Cancelo enjoying a scintillating campaign.
And the Ukrainian’s task may be set to get even harder, as City have been strongly linked with a move for highly-rated Brighton wing-back Marc Cucurella.
Zinchenko, meanwhile, is said to be determined to play on a more regular basis — so a move away from the Etihad may make sense for all parties.
Arsenal attraction
One possible landing point for Zinchenko is at the Emirates, with Arsenal reportedly on the hunt for a new left-back.
The Gunners are in for a hectic summer after they missed out on Champions League football on the final day of 2021-22.
Manager Mikel Arteta is believed to have identified the full-back positions as problem areas — and a host of names have already been linked with a move to North London.
Kieran Tierney made just 22 Premier League appearances after suffering with injury issues last term, while Nuno Tavares had a challenging debut campaign.
Four-time Premier League winner Zinchenko would also add some much-needed depth in multiple positions, as he can also operate in midfield.
Magpies swoop
Newcastle are another Premier League side to be linked with Zinchenko in recent weeks.
The Magpies enjoyed a sensational climb up the Premier League table following the appointment of Eddie Howe — finishing the campaign just two points off the top half.
And the addition of Zinchenko would boost the Tyneside club’s chances of climbing even higher in 2022-23, after they won six of their final eight games last season.
The Ukrainian would instantly add experience and quality to Howe’s side as he looks to build a team capable of toppling the top six.
Tempting Toffees
It has also been suggested that Everton have pinpointed Zinchenko as one of their primary targets for this summer.
But it is unlikely that the former PSV loanee would end up competing with fellow countryman Vitaliy Mykolenko at left-back.
Instead, he would be signed with a view to solving the Toffees’ significant issues in the centre of the park.
The Citizens’ No11 is naturally a midfielder, as he showed during his excellent display for Ukraine against Scotland last week — having the second most touches (86) and making 59 successful passes in his nation’s victory.
Wherever Zinchenko finds himself playing football next season, he has all the attributes to be an astute addition for any Premier League outfit.
