Ukrainian media deliver interesting verdict on Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko after Nations League victory

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Arsenal are taking time to reflect and regroup ahead of what will prove to be a decisive end to their season.

Arsenal players are currently on international duty and Mikel Arteta will be keeping a keen eye on how they perform and develop over the period.

Riccardo Calafiori suffered an injury for Italy in their defeat to Germany to pile more selection headaches on the Arsenal manager however the extent of the injury is not yet known.

William Saliba was criticised by the French media in their Nations League defeat to Croatia whilst his centre back partner Gabriel Magalhaes was booked playing for Brazil.

READ MORE: Arsene Wenger says Mikel Arteta has done something at Arsenal that has made him ‘very happy’

Ukrainian media deliver verdict on Oleksandr Zinchenko against Belgium

Ukraine got their UEFA Nations League play off tie against Belgium off to an excellent start with a 3-1 win over Leandro Trossard’s Belgium side.

Oleksandr Zinchenko played in his usual midfield role for his country and was described by Ukrainian media outlet Football.UA as having ‘two different halves.’

The media outlet gave Zinchenko a rating of 7/10 and wrote: “The central midfielder spent two different halves, as did the whole team. And when it was needed, it was Zinchenko who took on leadership responsibilities and pulled the team forward.

“In fact, with his shot from a free kick into the right post, the show of those scoring chances near Courtois’ possession after the break began.”

Zinchenko’s Arsenal future in doubt

Despite impressing in a recent Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal would like to sell Zinchenko this summer in order to allow them to bring in their desired transfer targets.

Borussia Dortmund held talks over Zinchenko in January but the Ukraine star stayed at the Emirates Stadium with a summer departure now looking likely.

Zinchenko has struggled for first-team opportunities this season having made just ten appearances in the Premier League with competition for the left back spot now intense with the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and signing of Calafiori.

A midfield role like he does for country has been trialled in recent weeks but it remains to be seen whether Arteta trusts Zinchenko to be able to play there on a regular basis for the Gunners.