Season after season, Oleksandr Zinchenko has fended off the speculation around an exit from Manchester City to earn his place in a side full of superstars.
More impressively, the Ukrainian has shown a knack for rising to the biggest occasions during the business end of campaigns.
The proof behind the aforementioned statement perhaps rings truest in the Sky Blues’ last competitive fixture against Aston Villa on the final day of last season, to become Premier League champions.
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While Ilkay Gundogan received a majority of the plaudits for scoring a clutch brace off the bench, it was Zinchenko’s all-encompassing display in the second half that set the wheels rolling for a comeback for the ages.
After coming up trumps for his side at various points of last term, it seems as if the Ukrainian international has finally decided to depart City by joining Arsenal for a reported £30 million fee.
It has widely been speculated that one of the primary reasons behind the versatile defender’s exit is due to his desire of playing in midfield.
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With Pep Guardiola’s side boasting arguably the best midfield department in Europe, the 25-year old would always be restricted to occupying the left-back role during his six-year tenure at the club.
However, the culmination of playing in his natural role as well as regular starting minutes at the Emirates Stadium seems to have turned his head.
Rodri, who has shared a dressing room with Zinchenko for the last three seasons shared his thoughts on his soon-to-be former teammate’s departure to North London.
“He’s been great as a team-mate as a player.
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"He deserved the best and we are going to miss him, but this is football, it continues and new players come in – we are happy for him,” he commented, as relayed by the Daily Mail.
The four-time Premier League champion is joining a long list of major exits from the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Gabriel Jesus has also put pen to paper at Arsenal, with Raheem Sterling’s move to Chelsea and Fernandinho’s return to Athletico Paranaense also confirmed earlier this month.
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With these departures, it is clear City have parted ways with some of the most experienced members of their squad.
It looks likely that City will now open official talks with Brighton & Hove Albion to complete the long-awaited signing of Marc Cucurella, who has reportedly been touted as Oleksandr Zinchenko’s replacement since May.
A majority of Sky Blues supporters would echo Rodri’s thoughts on the departing left-back, who has been a smash hit of a signing since his coup in 2016.
The £32 million City will eventually make on his sale signals significant profit on their initial investment.
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Signing from FC UFA, he has gone onto to become a cult hero at the club and is certainly a fan favourite.
Topics: Manchester City, Rodri, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arsenal, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
Srinivas Sadhanand