Arsenal legend now claims Zinchenko struggles are down to £21m Arteta decision

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Legendary former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes Oleksandr Zinchenko is suffering due to the absence of Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal sold Granit Xhaka to German side Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £21.4 million in the recent summer transfer window. Oleksandr Zinchenko is now having to adapt to not having the Swiss midfielder present to link up with on the pitch.

Both Xhaka and Zinchenko were influential and excellent for Arsenal last season. Of all his seven seasons on the books at the Emirates Stadium, Xhaka’s final term was certainly his most impressive.

Last season, the 31-year-old scored nine goals and provided seven assists as Mikel Arteta deployed him in a more advanced role than he had ever played for the club before. 

Playing further up the pitch, to the left of Martin Odegaard, Xhaka struck up a brilliant relationship with Zinchenko. The Ukrainian left-back has always been given license by Arteta to drift infield and push forward.

This led to a triumvirate of Xhaka, Zinchenko, and Gabriel Martinelli linking up to devastating effect on the left flank on many occasions.

Oleksandr Zinchenko missing vital Arsenal connection

Not everyone was in favour of Arteta’s decision to let Xhaka leave in the summer.

Ian Wright now believes that the 118-cap Switzerland international’s exit has hurt Zinchenko. Speaking on his Wrighty’s House podcast, he said, “again Zinchenko without Xhaka and what Xhaka done for us, it’s not the same role. He doesn’t seem to be able to do it without the way Xhaka was playing and giving him that license.”

Zinchenko hasn’t been at his best so far this season. The 26-year-old was hauled off at half-time against Chelsea on Saturday as he was on a booking and being targeted by the Blues.

The 57-cap Ukraine international is a hugely important part of how Arteta’s side seek to build up their attacks. He is trusted to drift into the midfield and play progressive passes between the lines. 

In order to do that, though, he needs to have a great footballing relationship with his teammates. That connection is yet to develop with the likes of Kai Havertz or Fabio Vieira. As such, the Gunners’ build up play has appeared stunted at times this season.