Mikel Arteta reacts as Oleksandr Zinchenko secures move from Man City to Arsenal

22.07.2022 - 21:43 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is delighted to have signed Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Ukrainian spent six years at the Etihad Stadium making 127 appearances for the club. Speaking following his exit, Zinchenko thanked City and said he was "immensely proud" of all they had achieved together. He told City's official website : "Signing for Manchester City changed my life, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me.

"It’s a special club and this has been a special period. To have won 10 trophies is incredible and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together.

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"I have loved being part of this squad. Playing alongside world-class players and working with Pep Guardiola has been an absolute privilege and I must say the same about playing in front of the fans, who always made me feel so at home here.

"I thank them all for the support they have given me, and I wish the club all the best in the future." After official confirmation of his latest signing, Arteta explained how he had kept an eye on the career of Zinchenko since leaving the Etihad himself.

"We’re so happy Alex has joined us," Arteta told Arsenal's official website. "He’s a player that I personally know really well and continued to follow him after my time at Manchester City.

"Alex is a high-quality player who will give us options and versatility. It's not only about the positions he can play but as well, the versatility he will give us in attack and defence.

"Alex is a person with great human qualities and character, and I’m delighted that everyone has made this huge effort to bring Alex to the club."

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