OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO was reduced to tears after sealing a £32million dream switch to boyhood club Arsenal from Manchester City.
The Ukraine international, 25, signed a four-year deal with the option of another 12 months at the Gunners after undergoing a medical in Orlando.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has completed his £30m transfer to ArsenalCredit: GettyThe left-footer is reunited with Mikel Arteta whom he worked with at Manchester CityCredit: Getty
He put pen to paper on the deal in the United States after linking up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour this week for his medical and to confirm the final details.
Zinchenko, 25, was spotted watching the win over Orlando City from the stands and then stopped to sign autographs wearing Arsenal training shorts before the eventual confirmed announcement.
The left-sided player, who usually played at left-back for City, is just awaiting completion of regulatory processes.
His squad number is yet to be revealed – but his favoured No11 and No17 are both taken.
Zinchenko gave an emotional farewell speech to Pep Guardiola’s squad in Texas before joining the club he supported as a kid.
Zinchenko, who could make his Gunners debut against Chelsea in the early hours of Sunday morning, said: “I was not ready for this day and especially when I gave a speech to the lads. It was so emotional because I was trying to practice this speech in my room.
“I kept saying to myself, ‘Oleks, just hold your tears, that’s the main thing’. But when you see all these guys in front of you, it’s impossible. I have a lot of memories, in good and bad ways.
“I am so happy that one day, I can say to my grandson and granddaughters that I was a small part of this amazing club. It’s been an unbelievable five years.
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“But this is a boyhood dream come true, because I was a massive fan when I was a kid. Since Thierry Henry and young Cesc Fabregas were playing here, I was just enjoying watching those games, that Arsenal.
“I started to love this club, so I am so excited and I cannot wait to play for this amazing club. I’m ready for another challenge. I’m not here just to waste my time and the time of Arsenal because the club is always in front of everyone.
“I am here to achieve big things and I hope we can win some titles, and I hope we are going to fight for every title in which we are going to be involved.
“I was watching Arsenal’s games and I could smell it coming, you know? The team is growing up so quickly and I think it’s time. It’s time to do our best and to achieve something big.”
This is a boyhood dream come true, because I was a massive fan when I was a kid.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Boss Mikel Arteta hinted the new signing may not be limited to playing at left-back, like at City, but would likely feature in midfield too.
Arsenal will pay £30m upfront with a further £2m in add ons and the full-back is in line to make his debut in their friendly against Chelsea on Sunday morning.
Arteta said: “We’re so happy Alex has joined us. 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.
Zinchenko won four Premier League titles with CityCredit: ReutersHe linked up with his new team on their pre-season tour in OrlandoCredit: GettyThe Ukraine international will fly back to England with Arsenal after their friendly against ChelseaCredit: Getty
“He’s going to train, maybe he’s going to get some minutes against Chelsea. We’ll make that decision but I reassure you that the player is going to be pushing to play some minutes.
“For what we planned we’re pretty far on those plans. Everything is going really well and now it’s about finalising what we wanted to do. We will try to keep improving the team.”
Zinchenko will link up with former City team-mates Gabriel Jesus who made a £45m switch to the Emirates earlier this month.
He is the club’s fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Jesus, Marquinhos, keeper Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira.
Zinchenko spent six years at the Etihad following his £1.7m switch from Ufa, racking up 128 appearances.
He won four Premier League titles in that time, including in the last two seasons, as well as the FA Cup and four League Cups.
The new Gunners ace also played in the 2021 Champions League final as City lost to Chelsea.
And he revealed he was in tears as he left the City camp – also in America – to complete his exit.
And City posted their own thank-you message on social media for the former Ukrainian Footballer of the Year.
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Zinchenko follows in the footsteps of Gabriel Jesus who also swapped the Etihad for the Emirates this summer.
And he becomes Arsenal’s fifth summer signing in total with Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira also joining.
