Arsenal-linked Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has become open to the idea of leaving the Premier League champions this summer, according to a report.
The Ukrainian has reportedly emerged as a target for the Gunners this summer, along with fellow Premier League side West Ham United.
Despite the continued absence of Benjamin Mendy at the Etihad Stadium during the 2021-22 campaign, Zinchenko saw his playing time limited under Pep Guardiola, featuring in just 15 league games, of which only 10 were starts.
Joao Cancelo was often preferred in an unnatural left-back position ahead of Zinchenko, with the latter being a central midfielder by trade, but has primarily been used to fill in in defence since making the move from FC Ufa back in 2016.
Due to his lack of playing time last campaign, as well as his continued use out of his best position, the 25-year-old is open to leaving City during the summer transfer window according to 90min.
However, the report suggests that a potential move away would depend on the guarantees of any buyer promising to utilise Zinchenko in his preferred central midfield role.
It continues with Zinchenko's apparent happiness in Manchester, where City are keen to extend his current deal to tie down his future at the club, with just two years left to run on his contract as things stand.
During his six years with City so far, Zinchenko has gone on to make 128 appearances for the club across all competitions, lifting four Premier League trophies, four EFL Cups and one FA Cup in the process.
Matthew Tranter
