Mikel Arteta already green-lit Arsenal replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko but has been blocked
Oleksandr Zinchenko came in for significant<a href=«http://Mikel» arteta aimed to replace oleksandr zinchenko in the transfer market but this season has seen him blocked from doing so. target="_self" rel=«nofollow»> scrutiny following Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa leaving their title hopes hanging by a thread.
They are now two points behind Manchester City with six games left to play with a Champions League quarter-final second leg in Germany to contend with next week.The Ukrainian gave away the ball on numerous occasions in key areas. Deflecting a Gabriel Magalhaes clearance for Ollie Watkins to run through and hit the post in the first half, he also surrendered possession to Youri Tielemans whose subsequent shot hit both the post and bar in the second half.
He was also questionable positionally for Leon Bailey's goal, and caught out for the second goal as Watkins strode through with only Emile Smith Rowe covering unsuccessfully. Despite starting in games against Manchester City (H), Liverpool (H) and Brighton (A) which the Gunners won and he played a key part in, it hasn't prevented criticism and for this defeat rightfully so.
The frustration is that in a different reality, Zinchenko might not even be starting this game as the club had seemingly prepared for his long-term successor nearly a whole year ago. In the summer, Arsenal invested £38million into Jurrien Timber who would take on the left-back position and start against Manchester City in the Community Shield, which Arsenal won, and then against Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season.
It was in this game he suffered a serious knee injury which required surgery and he is only just closing in on a return with six games remaining in the league
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