Oleksandr Zinchenko has completed a four-year move to Arsenal from Manchester City, it has been confirmed.
The Ukrainian bid farewell to the Premier League champions earlier this week and travelled to Orlando for his medical and to seal a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is believed to have played a key role in convincing Zinchenko to swap Manchester for north London.
Advert
Zinchenko joined Manchester City from Russia club Ufa in the summer of 2016 and spent the following season on loan at PSV Eindhoven.
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, the 26-year-old won four Premier League titles and was crucial in helping City seal an enthralling final day win against Aston Villa to retain the league title in May.
Making 127 appearances over the course of his stint in East Manchester, the full-back and left-sided midfielder has decided to take up a new challenge for regular minutes in the peak years of his professional career.
Advert
Upon the completion of his move to Arsenal, Zinchenko said:
“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.
“I have loved being part of this squad.
Advert
"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.”
Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain said: "I cannot speak highly enough of Oleks, both as a player and a person.
“He should be very proud of his time here at City. He helped us achieve great things and the way he has conducted himself has been an example to all.
Advert
“His professionalism and work ethic has been exceptional, and we all wish him the very best of luck as he begins this new chapter in his career.”
The Premier League champions have been heavily linked with a swoop for Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.
City are expected to present a formal offer to the Seagulls for the Catalan, who could cost them in excess of £50 million.
However, at the moment, no fee has been agreed between the two clubs and the South Coast outfit are holding strong on their valuation.
Topics: Manchester City, Arsenal, Premier League, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola
Vayam Lahoti