’It’s a dream come true!’ | Alex Zinchenko’s First Interview at The Arsenal

Oleksandr Zinchenko has joined us on a long-term contract from Manchester City. The 25-year-old brings huge experience of the Premier League and international football to our squad, having made 128 appearances for Manchester City and playing 52 times for his country Ukraine. Alex developed through the youth academy at Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, moving to FC Ufa in Russia in 2015. After 31 appearances with FC Ufa, he signed for Manchester City in June 2016, spending the 2016/17 on loan at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, before returning to City the following season. Left-sided player Alex, who is comfortable operating in midfield and defence, has won both the Premier League and League Cup four times. He has also won the FA Cup once and played in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final. Technical Director Edu said: “I’m very pleased to see how we’re working as a team here in the club. We put a plan together early and Oleksandr Zinchenko was a main focus on our list. We’re pleased to have Alex with us now because he has the attributes which I’m sure are going to put our squad at a different level.” Mikel Arteta added: “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.” Alex becomes our fifth new signing into our men’s first team squad this pre-season. He joins Gabriel Jesus, Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira as new arrivals to the club. Alex has already joined up with the squad at our pre-season training camp in Orlando. His squad number will be announced in due course. Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Alex and his family to the club. #arsenal #zinchenko Enjoy match highlights, training and behind the scenes to get closer to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Vivianne Miedema, Nicolas Pepe, Leah Williamson, Bernd Leno, Nikita Parris, Mana Iwabuchi, Jordan Nobbs, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kim Little, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale, Beth Mead, Ben White, Thomas Partey and more. Subscribe to the Official Arsenal YouTube Channel: Follow us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on TikTok: This is the Official YouTube channel for Arsenal Football Club. For more match action, highlights and training videos, make sure you become a digital member and sign up to Arsenal Player. It’s FREE and is the Home of the Game: Arsenal Football Club were formed in 1886 and amassed 13 League titles, 14 FA Cups. Some of their greatest players include: Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Ian Wright, Robert Pires, Liam Brady, Patrick Vieira, Cliff Bastin and Charlie George.