Oleksandr Zinchenko could be set for another emotional parting with Mikel Arteta this summer.
The Ukrainian forged a strong bond with the Arsenal head coach during their time together at Manchester City. When Arteta, who had been Pep Guardiola's assistant, left the Etihad in 2019, Zinchenko was left in tears. He even promised that if he ever left City, it would be to join Arteta. True to his word, Zinchenko joined the Gunners in 2022.
"I remember when Mikel was leaving City, I didn't hold my emotions. I couldn't because this guy was so special to me," said Zinchenko via the Daily Mail in 2023.
"He taught me a lot, as a human being he was incredible and the way he was working with us young players after every single training session, the advice he was giving everyone, was something incredibly important for me.
"I said to my circle, 'If one day I'm going to leave City and I'm going to stay in the Premier League, it will be only one manager: Mikel Arteta.'"
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mikel Arteta
Arteta is willing to let Zinchenko leave the Gunners this summer despite their strong relationship (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
However, the 28-year-old may soon have to consider playing under a different manager. With just 16 appearances this season, and given the presence of Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, plus the emergence of youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, Zinchenko seems to be surplus to requirements.
Zinchenko, whose contract expires at the end of the 2025/26 season, could command a good fee this summer and there should be plenty of interest in his services. According to the Daily Mail, he is among several players who could be shown the exit door or put up for sale as part of a clearout.
Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu, both currently nursing long-term injuries, might also be sold depending on their recovery progress. Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and Jorginho are also expected to leave.
Arsenal, who visit Manchester United on Sunday, are aiming to build a substantial transfer fund as they look secure Premier League glory under Arteta after falling short in recent seasons.