Oleksandr Zinchenko has been linked with a departure from Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Arsenal have hinted at how Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future may play out by handing the Ukrainian a new squad number. The versatile defender will wear the No 17 after making a request to wear the digits vacated by Cedric Soares.
Zinchenko previously wore No 35 but asked for a change after the departure of right-back Soares. His new number is particularly special to the 27-year-old, who wears 17 for Ukraine.
He told Arsenal's website: "It was the number I wore as a young player, and I've always requested to wear 17 when playing for my country.
"With 17 being free since Cedric left, I asked if I could change, and thanks to everyone at the club for supporting me."
The change suggests Zinchenko is very much part of Mikel Arteta's plans. There had been suggested that the former Manchester City player might depart following the signing of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna.
Calafiori's arrival provides Zinchenko with stronger competition at left-back. The Italian can also play at centre-back, but spent much of his time in Serie A inverting into midfield - the role Zinchenko has performed since he signed for Arsenal in 2022.
Zinchenko's inconsistency prompted Arsenal to sign another player who can play in his position. Jakub Kiwior also finds himself with a quandary having made most of his appearances last season at left-back. It was reported that the Poland international had initially been offered to Bologna to sweeten a deal for Calafiori.
Arsenal being willing to accommodate Zinchenko's request suggest he is very much part of Arteta's plans for what is likely to be a gruelling Premier League and Champions League campaign. A deeper squad will be needed if the Gunners are to finally topple Man City in the top-flight.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has taken the No 17 shirt at Arsenal and will hope to play a key role (Image: Getty)
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Zinchenko will get his chance to shine at the Emirates Stadium with so many matches to be played. That he felt comfortable making a demand over his squad number implies that he feels part of the squad and has no desire to seek a departure from the north Londoners.
With Calafiori likely to start the season at left-back, there may even be the opportunity for Zinchenko to provide Arteta with another option in midfield. The Arsenal boss backed Zinchenko after some troubling form towards the end of last season and views him as a valuable squad member.
"I love Alex, he has given us so much," Arteta said. "He has given us a lot. He's a player with different qualities and an unbelievable courage to play football in any circumstances. As we always demand, stay with our players, give them support because for sure they're going to perform better."
