West Ham United are interested in signing Manchester City and Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer.
The Lowdown: An impressive season
It has been an impressive campaign from the Ukraine captain, who has performed admirably in adversity, following the events that are currently happening in his homeland.
Ukraine’s World Cup hopes were ended following a 1-0 defeat against Wales last week, but the £22.5m-rated man can hold his head up high after doing his country proud.
The 25-year-old made 28 appearances for City in all competitions this season, providing four Premier League assists, as Pep Guardiola’s side retained their Premier League title in spectacular fashion.
However, the midfielder, who is generally deployed at left-back by the title-winning head coach, has not been a regular starter for City this season, and may look to seek opportunities elsewhere should he receive an offer this season.
The Latest: Irons face Premier League interest
According to the Evening Standard, both West Ham and Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing the Ukraine captain.
The same report suggests that both clubs are attracted to the prospect of Zinchenko being proficient in both midfield and at left-back, with David Moyes needing to find cover for Aaron Cresswell at full-back as well as more midfield options this summer, with the prospect of Tomáš Souček being sold, and Alex Kral’s loan being rather unsuccessful.
The Verdict: A superb addition
The 25-year-old has shown how impressive he can be in the face of adversity this season, and he would be a sensible addition for the Irons, whether that be at left-back or in the middle of the park.
His performance in Ukraine’s 3-1 defeat of Scotland in last week’s World Cup Path A Qualifier was described as “magnificent” by journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
He ranks in the top 2% of full-backs in the top five European leagues in stats per 90 minutes in assists, passes attempted, pass completion %, progressive passes, and progressive carries, according to FBref.
Of course, this must be taken with a pinch of salt, with Zinchenko not being a regular starter for City, but what it demonstrates is that when he gets the opportunity, he will likely take it.
He has an average SofaScore rating of 7.07 for his Premier League appearances this campaign, when he is mainly played at left-back, whilst his World Cup Qualifying averaging rating is 7.51 which is when he is usually deployed in midfield.
This suggests that the 25-year-old is a versatile performer, capable of top-quality performances across the pitch in as many as six different roles, which is something that should encourage the Irons to make a move for him as soon as the opportunity becomes available.
In other news, West Ham are set to offer Bowen new contract