Mikel Arteta praised Oleksandr Zinchenko as “an exceptional footballer” as the Ukraine international prepares to complete his move from Manchester City to Arsenal.
The left-back, who can also play in midfield, has joined the Gunners on their tour of the United States.
His transfer from Premier League champions City is still pending, but it would take something unusual to derail the deal now.
Zinchenko stood by as Arsenal defeated Orlando City 3-1 on Wednesday night, with Gabriel Martinelli’s heavily deflected first-half effort followed by goals from Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson after the break.
Manager Arteta must sell players to avoid overcrowding in Arsenal’s squad for the new season, but he is delighted that Zinchenko’s arrival is almost certain.
“As you can see, he’s here,” Arteta said at a post-match press conference. “There are still a few formalities to go through, but we’re thrilled to have him.”
“I know the player very well; he’s an exceptional footballer and someone who will bring another competitive edge to that dressing room.”
Arteta worked with Zinchenko at Manchester City before leaving Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff to strike out on his own at Arsenal.
Given Arsenal already have Kieran Tierney as an established left-back, midfield seems likely to be Zinchenko’s regular position.
“He was a natural number 10 early in his career and [at City] we converted him into a left-back which can do a lot of things that we want in our way of playing,” Arteta said.
“That versatility is something that is going to be important for the team because we have players in that position who are more specific full-backs, so I’m really happy.”
Zinchenko, thought to be costing around £30million, will become the second big recruit by Arsenal from City during the off-season, after Gabriel Jesus joined in a £45million deal.
Arteta said Arsenal, who have also spent over £30million on former Porto star Fabio Vieira, must look to push ahead with thinning out their squad now,
“We have to,” Arteta said. “We have a big squad and now we have to make things happen.”
