Forgotten Arsenal star could unlock Mikel Arteta’s failing attack – but might leave in the transfer window

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Arsenal face a huge run of fixtures that could determine the success of their season.

Arsenal face Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup before hosting North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Recently, Arsenal’s creativity has been an issue with many believing that the left central midfield position is one that is affecting the fluidity of Arsenal’s attacks. Fans have bemoaned at Mikel Merino playing in the position.

Declan Rice has also been deployed in the role but his capabilities seem to suit a more defensive position. Mikel Arteta needs to find a solution and it could be staring right at him.

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Oleksandr Zinchenko could be set to leave Arsenal this window

Oleksandr Zinchenko will be allowed to leave the club in January should a suitable offer arrive. Inter Milan have shown an interest in the Ukrainian international, who has struggled for game time this season.

Zinchenko arrived at Arsenal in 2022 in a £32m deal from rivals Manchester City, where he was originally deployed as a left back and thrived in his first season at the club.

Zinchenko has suffered with injuries during his time at Arsenal and at times has been questioned over his defensive abilities. This season so far he has made just seven appearances in the Premier League.

Despite questions over Zinchenko’s midfield capabilities in the Ukrainian Media, Arteta may be wise to try the former Man City star in a new role to help unlock a failing Arsenal attack.

Zinchenko outperforms Rice and Merino in key attacking stats

Arteta is yet to use Zinchenko in a midfield role for Arsenal despite the Ukrainian being a regular in that position for his country and on numerous occasions under Pep Guardiola.

With great technique and an eye for a pass, Zinchenko could have something different to offer Arsenal’s midfield which currently looks somewhat stale with Rice and Merino being more defensive-minded.

Even when deployed at left-back, Zinchenko has a higher ratio of progressive passes, an attribute which could be key in the final third if given the opportunity to play in a more advanced role.

Whilst Rice and Thomas Partey remain Arsenal’s most reliable central midfield partnership, Arteta would be wise to explore different options in order to release the free-flowing football that the fans have become accustomed to watching.

One tactical tweak, such as a position change for a quality player like Zinchenko, could be the difference to ending Arsenal’s five-year trophy drought.