Arsenal are joined by at least three other Premier League clubs in the race for Oleksandr Zinchenko, including Everton, according to a report.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City FC runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Leg One match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at City of Manchester Stadium on April 26, 2022. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City FC runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Leg One match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at City of Manchester Stadium on April 26, 2022. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

James Benge reports that Arsenal aren’t the only Premier League team interested in Oleksandr Zinchenko. There are at least three others in the mix, including Everton, at this stage.

Manchester Evening News report that Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of Zinchenko and he’s targeting the 25-year-old for a summer transfer.

Zinchenko would reportedly like to play more regularly, and Arsenal are offering him a more important role in their team.

Manchester City don’t want to sell, but Pep Guardiola doesn’t want to stand in the player’s way if he wants to leave. As a result, the club need to convince Zinchenko he’d play more if he stays.

Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail recently reported that Arsenal are thinking about a move for Zinchenko. Though at the moment, it seems there’s no formal bid forthcoming from the Gunners.

Gaughan added that it sounds like Arteta may view Zinchenko as a midfielder.

The Ukraine international mostly plays left-back for Manchester City, but he’s also played in midfield at times – particularly for his country. He put in a good performance for Ukraine in the middle against Scotland on Wednesday night.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City battles for possession with Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on May 15, 2022. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City battles for possession with Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on May 15, 2022. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Zinchenko could leave City this summer.

The versatile defender made 28 appearances for City this season, including 18 starts in all competitions. So whilst he’s not a total outcast from the side, he’s also not a starter in the majority of cases.

Arsenal have Kieran Tierney at left-back, whose injury problems have often left openings in the position. The Gunners are also looking to reinforce their midfield, with Thomas Partey’s injury exposing their lack of depth in the middle.

Zinchenko would provide excellent cover in both areas, and he has the quality to succeed as a starter in either spot.