Manchester City have a job on their hands convincing Oleksandr Zinchenko to stay amid interest from Arsenal, according to a report.

Manchester Evening News report that Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of Oleksandr 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.

City obviously also have a bit of a fight on their hands to try and keep Gabriel Jesus around, with Arsenal also chasing the Brazilian striker.

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.