Pundit can’t believe Kieran Tierney could be frozen out at Arsenal after confirmed news
Noel Whelan has backed Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney to strike up an “exciting” partnership at Arsenal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted he would be “very surprised” if the 25-year-old Scotland international were to drop out of the Gunners’ starting line-up.
As per video from Football Daily (20 July), Man City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed Zinchenko is joining Arsenal after saying his goodbyes to the English champions.
Fabrizio Romano claimed on Tuesday (19 July) that the two clubs have reached a £30million deal for the Ukraine international.
Zinchenko has played at left-back and across the midfield during his time at Man City – making 127 appearances and winning four league titles.
Whelan claimed the 25-year-old will take up a left midfield role at Arsenal – in front of Scotland international Tierney.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t see Zinchenko playing at left-back, to be honest with you.
“I see him playing further up the field, on that left wing. That’s going to be a real partnership – Tierney and Zinchenko.
“They can chop and change as much as they want on that side, in attack and defence – I think it’s a really exciting proposition.
“I’d be very surprised if Tierney were to drop down the pecking order as a result of this deal. In my opinion, I’m thinking Arteta has got a plan for both of them in this Arsenal side.
“Zinchenko is more suited to an attacking role, for me, anyway. He links up very well and I think he’ll settle in very nicely.”
Arsenal will play Europa League football this term.
The Gunners start their 2022-23 campaign away at Crystal Palace on 5 August.
In other news, pundit claims Ben White is “in trouble” at Arsenal after Sunday development.