Pundit explains why Zinchenko joined Arsenal

Mikel Arteta was influential in Zinchenko’s decision to join the Emirates.

The Ukrainian defender has struggled for minutes at Manchester City and played second fiddle to Joao Cancelo.

Even though he was guaranteed to win more trophies at the Etihad, he decided to take a new challenge elsewhere.

At Arsenal, he would not get to play in the Champions League and it would take the club a few years to fight for trophies.

Former Aston Villa man Alan Hutton believes Arteta and Jesus played a huge role in convincing the defender to join the North London club.

He tells Football Insider: “Obviously Arteta was at Man City so they know each other anyway.

“Jesus and him have probably been in contact, asking what pre-season is like, what the manager is like, what training is like, what the team’s objectives are for next season, things that you want to know before you sign for the club.

“It’s massive, and always good knowing the manager so you can have a good conversation before you sign and he can layout the plans for you.“

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