Arteta plotting double City raid with Zinchenko and Jesus bids

ArsenAl are considering a double swoop for Manchester City stars by adding Oleksandr Zinchenko to their list of summer targets.

Mikel Arteta already wants to sign striker Gabriel Jesus from his old employers and Sportsmail understands the manager holds an interest in Zinchenko, too.

The 25-year-old is viewed primarily as an asset to bolster Arsenal’s midfield, who could be utilised at left back when required.

Zinchenko has spent much of his time under Pep Guardiola in defence but has operated in central midfield for Ukraine.

During his spell as Guardiola’s assistant, Arteta — currently on holiday in Greece — enjoyed a good relationship with both Zinchenko and Jesus. But he would have competition for both.

last week’s dramatic final day triumph meant the pair have won four Premier league titles each while at the etihad stadium.

They have made significant contributions to the glut of silverware at City over the last five years and Guardiola views them as integral members of his squad.

However, the City boss refuses to stand in the way of players who want to leave — providing the terms of a deal are acceptable to the club.

Jesus hopes to prove himself as a no 9 and is expected to depart given the arrivals of erling Haaland and Argentina international Julian Alvarez, who hit a double hat-trick for river Plate this week.

The future of Zinchenko — who cost just £1.8million from Ufa in 2016 — could be more complicated given he has always wanted to fight for his place at City.

The Premier league champions are looking at Brighton left back Marc Cucurella, who admitted this week that turning down a possible move to the north West would represent a struggle.

Zinchenko, a hugely popular figure among the City squad and supporters, was overcome with emotion after pipping liverpool to the title during a year when russia invaded his homeland.

‘Honestly I want to die for these people, for all this support, because what people gave me and what they have done for me during this toughest period of my life,’ he said. ‘I am so appreciative and I will never forget this. never in my life.’