Arsenal host PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night in the Champions League in a clash that could see Mikel Arteta experiment with various different options.
PSV were thrashed 7-1 by the Gunners in the first leg, earning Arteta the opportunity to rest and rotate his squad in the second match at the Emirates.
A subdued crowd is expected in N5 for the Champions League encounter, with the game essentially a dead rubber due to the goal deficit the North Londoners have built.
It would take a remarkable comeback from the Dutch outfit to put Arsenal’s progression into jeopardy, and thus Arteta will presumably ring the changes and grant some fringe players some valuable minutes.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
One option Arteta might experiment with against PSV is Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield.
The Ukrainian has been granted a few cameos as an eight in recent weeks, and impressed in the role.
His crisp and creative passing in and around the final third makes him well suited to the position, while he has just about sufficient defensive acumen to help maintain the Gunners’ structure when deployed there.
Speaking in his press conference on Tuesday morning, Arteta hinted that Zinchenko in midfield was certainly a possibility for this game.
“He’s very good and with the options that we have we believe that it’s a position that he can help in that suits him,” the Arsenal boss said.
“He’s played there before, I know him for many years and he can really fit in that position.
“He’s adapted really well in training and he’s had some opportunities in the last few games to show that so happy that he’s playing well.”
Jorginho is likely to replace Thomas Partey against the Eredivisie side, while Declan Rice has warranted a rest.
Mikel Merino was poor against United, and could also do spending a game on the sidelines, making Zinchenko the obvious option in midfield.
Partey and Jorginho are expected to leave in the summer, meaning that if the former Manchester City man can showcase his talents to a high level in the middle of the park, he could become a viable option in the medium term in this role for Arteta.
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
While a resurgence at Arsenal as a midfielder is certainly possible for Zinchenko, the noise would suggest that he’s more likely to depart in the summer than forge a successful career in the middle of the park in Islington.
Arteta was asked about the 28-year-old’s future in his press conference, and responded in a coy manner.
“I do that [discuss their future] with every player before we finalise the season if possible,” he said.
“If we have time to do so, so everybody is clear on expectation from each other, clarity about how we’re feeling about each other and how that relationship can continue.
“It’s the best thing to do and discuss, and I’m certainly going to have that discussion [with Zinchenko].”
Zinchenko’s contract expires in the summer of 2026, and the likelihood of him being offered a new deal certainly feels slim.
Mikel ArtetaOleksandr Zinchenko
