Everton target Oleksandr Zinchenko’s exit likely as Manchester City one step closer to replacement
Everton have recently been linked to Manchester City utility player Oleksandr Zinchenko. A recent report suggested that the Ukrainian was offered to Everton and Newcastle United. Since then, reports of a Manchester City exit have been doing rounds.
The 25 year old joined City in 2016 and has been at the club since the 2017-18 season, spending the 2016-17 season on loan at PSV Eindhoven. Over the years, Zinchenko has largely operated as a left back for Pep Guardiola’s side. However, he’s a lynchpin in the central midfield for his national side.
Zinchenko was outstanding in Ukraine’s 3-1 win over Scotland in the FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal. The Ukraine captain is far more comfortable in the central midfield role and prefers to play in that role.
However, at Man City, the midfield is stacked with world class players like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, so for Zinchenko to get into the midfield was always a challenging task.
Everton target Oleksandr Zinchenko could soon leave Man City as they are close to signing Marc Cucurella
Now, his position at left back is also in danger as Manchester City are aiming to sign Brighton and Hove Albion defender Marc Cucurella. According to the Express, Manchester City are just one step away from signing Cucurella this summer.
The report states that the Champions of England could announce his signing as early as next week. The Citizens will be paying in the region of £25-£30 million. The Spaniard with La Masia roots has been one of the best performing left backs in England.
The 23 year old played a vital role in Brighton’s season as they achieved their best ever finish in the Premier League. City will be acquiring a solid youngster with the ability to reach the pinnacle at the Etihad Stadium.
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Cucurella’s arrival could push Zinchenko to look elsewhere and Everton shouldn’t miss out on the Ukrainian. The 25 year old brings skill and flair and he’s one of the calmest ball carriers. His adept passing and ability to create goalscoring chances makes him a dangerous player to have.
The Toffees will not be signing him as a left back but as a central midfielder who can efficiently operate as a No.8, a profile that Everton desperately needs. The 25 year old is valued at £22.5 million by the Transfermarkt and a lot of Everton’s transfer business will depend on the amount they’ll generate from sales, with the possibility of Richarlison or Dominic Calvert-Lewin leaving the club.
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Will Oleksandr Zinchenko leave Manchester City?