Zinchenko says joining Arsenal is a ‘boyhood dream come true’

The Ukrainian won the Premier League four times at Manchester City.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has described moving to Arsenal as a “boyhood dream come true” after joining from champions Manchester City.

The 25-year-old Ukraine international becomes Arsenal’s fifth summer signing after Gabriel Jesus, Marquinhos, Matt Turner and Fabio Vieira.

Zinchenko told the Arsenal website: “First of all, I would like to say 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 enjoyed watching those games, that Arsenal.

“And I started to love this club, so I am so excited and cannot wait to play for this fantastic club.

“I’m ready for another challenge. I’m not here 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 we will fight for every title in which we are going to be involved.

“Even from the last season, I was watching The Arsenal’s games, and I could smell it is 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.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta worked with Zinchenko while coaching under Pep Guardiola at City and said: “We’re so happy Alex has joined us.

“He’s a player that I know 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 also 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 made 128 appearances for City after joining them from Russian club FC Ufa in June 2016.

He won the Premier League and League Cup four times during his stay at the Etihad Stadium and the FA Cup once.

Zinchenko has won 52 caps for Ukraine and can operate in defence or midfield.

Arsenal technical director Edu said: “I’m delighted to see how we’re working as a team here in the club.

“We put a plan together early, and Oleksandr Zinchenko was the main focus on our list.

“We’re pleased to have Alex with us now because he has the attributes which I’m sure will put our squad at a different level.”

Zinchenko joined the Arsenal squad at their American pre-season training camp in Orlando.

In a parting interview on the City website, Zinchenko said he had spent an “unbelievable six years” at the club.

He said: “I was not ready for this day. It’s a sad day, but this is life, and you must carry on.

“It has been a fantastic time, an unbelievable six years – I feel like I was a small part of this fantastic club.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has done a lot to help my family and me.

“We achieved a lot of titles, and I want to say a massive thank you to all the fans and the Cityzens.”