Arsenal has been on the search for a balance in their team. Mikel Arteta’s side has been exploited by their opponents in certain positions. This is due to the weakness of some of their players in those positions. Furthermore, they’ve squandered away points in vital games. Allowing them to come up short in their league title chase.
An example is their challenges in the left-back position. The Gunners have struggled to find an attacking and defensive balance in the left-back position. It’s either a situation of a player having a good attacking prowess but a poor defensive cover or vice versa.
Mikel Arteta had to stick more to a defensive left back. This led to their more attacking-minded left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko losing his starting spot.
However, Arsenal looks to be in search of a stacked left back. A player that can provide both attacking and defensive balance. And it seems they’ve found the perfect Zinchenko replacement.
Arsenal discovers Zinchenko’s possible replacement
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The Gunners have been monitoring Feyenoord’s left back Quilindschy Hartman. The Dutchman has been placed on the radar of the London club. Moreover, Arsenal will have to be patient in signing him.
The 22-year-old is presently undergoing rehabilitation for a long-term injury. This makes it impossible for the Gunners to make any quick move. Nonetheless, Arsenal still has his name as part of the possible replacement for Zinchenko. This should be in case there will be a need to sell the Ukrainian.
Also, Hartman has been linked to moving out of Feyenoord since last summer. With interests from Chelsea and Burnley. But he was only given a green light to leave until the end of the presently completed season. Already Feyenoord coach Arne Slot has made a move to Liverpool. This creates a high possibility that Hartman may leave Feyenoord. This boosts the chances of Arsenal easily securing him.
Player Profile
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Hartman is 6ft left back. His height gives him an edge in aerial duels offensively and defensively. He also possesses a high work rate. Added to it is his speed and strength that allows him to cover grounds on the left side of the pitch.
Offensively he offers a lot of energy. This is by injecting intensity into any attack being launched from the left flank. His crossing and passing abilities are quite fair. However, there is room for improvement.
Defensively he is very hardworking. Although he isn’t quite the ball interceptor. But he puts in a lot of effort in tackling and man-marking.
Overall Hartman is a promising talent. With Arsenal, he could become more.
Zinchenko’s Fate in the coming seasons
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Zinchenko’s 2023/24 season was less great compared to his prior season. Although he never had much playing time. The Ukrainian struggled to prevail in the left-back position. In most cases, he was never started or rather subbed in late during games.
A lot of things were the reasons behind this. However, a major one is his poor defensive cover. This made Arsenal vulnerable on the left side whenever he was on the pitch. Tomiyasu was more of a better option defensively for the Mikel Arteta side. Although Zinchenko was better attacking-wise, Mikel Arteta had to pick his poison.
Now with Jurrien Timber’s return from his rehabilitation. A lot of questions will arise concerning Zinchenko’s role in the team. Timber is proven to be great at both attacking and defending as a left-back. He could also function at any position in the fullback.
There have been possible rumors of his sale this summer. However, the Ukrainian is a quality player. Mikel Arteta might want to consider keeping him. But this time he might give him a new role. An attacking midfielder!
Also Read: Transfer Rumor: Milan Star Left Back has a ‘ $100M Price Tag’ as Bayern Show Interest
More to come
Arsenal is planning on adding more reinforcement next season. This is to give them a shot at winning the league. Aside from the position of a left back, a vital position would be the role of a striker. As it stands Arsenal looks to be eyeing Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
