Oleksandr Zinchenko named in Man City's pre-season squad amid Arsenal links

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been named in Manchester City's squad for their pre-season tour of the United States amid the rumours surrounding interest from Arsenal.

The 25-year-old will travel to Houston with the rest of the City contingent which includes new signings Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Stefan Ortega and Kalvin Phillips. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva has also been included in the 26-man squad despite being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.

City will take on Club America and Bayern Munich before heading home next weekend ahead of the FA Community Shield clash with Liverpool. Pep Guardiola is hoping to have a fully fit squad available for those matches as they prepare for the start of the Premier League season - with West Ham up first for the Citizens.

However, a player who might not be with City before the start of the campaign is Zinchenko, who could be on his way to the Emirates Stadium. It has been reported that Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign the Ukrainian and that the Gunners are discussing personal terms with the 25-year-old over a switch to the club. Despite those rumours, Zinchenko remains a part of City's plans for their trip to the USA.

This could deal Arsenal with a major blow in their pursuit of the player as Arteta tries to bolster his ranks ahead of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace. However, the Gunners are also in the United States on their pre-season tour - meaning a potential transfer is very possible if both parties were to agree a deal.

Should Man City keep Oleksandr Zinchenko? Let us know in the comments below!

Zinchenko has also been linked with a switch to Everton and West Ham United, but it seems as though the Gunners are leading the race with Arteta keen to add another defender. Although he has primarily played as a left-back for City, Zinchenko can also play in midfield and as a winger - versatility the Gunners boss likes.

The former PSV man joined City in 2016 and has since played 128 games, with 76 of those appearances coming in the Premier League across five full seasons. However, Zinchenko has never played more than 20 league games in a single Premier League season and the chance to move to a side also competing in Europe where he is more likely to both play and in a more preferred role may be an opportunity that is simply too good to ignore.