Mikel Arteta sends strong message to Oleksandr Zinchenko on where he will play this season

Mikel Arteta has hinted Oleksandr Zinchenko will have to compete with Riccardo Calafiori for a position in Arsenal’s starting XI this season

The Ukraine international enjoyed a superb start to his Gunners career after he joined from Manchester City two years ago.

Arteta’s decision to deploy the 27-year-old as an inverted left-back had a transformative effect on a team that when close to winning the Premier League title.

Zinchenko’s form deteriorated last season, however, as opposition teams began to expose his defensive frailties.

Indeed, Zinchenko largely played a bit-part role in the run-in with the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior preferred in that role.

The addition of Calafiori has only served to increase the competition for places in what was the Premier League’s meanest defence last season, but Zinchenko gave a timely reminder of his attacking qualities in last night’s 4-1 friendly win over Bayer Leverkusen.

Zinchenko scored the opening goal, providing a crisp finish to a flowing team move and regularly cropped up in advanced positions.

Arteta, however, insists one of the more divisive players amongst the club’s fanbase will have to focus on restoring his place at left-back, rather than compete for a place in midfield role that appears to be more suited to his qualities.

‘Obviously he has played in midfield,’ said Arteta in his post match press conference.

‘But the main focus for him right now is playing as a full back and the options and solutions he provides in that part. He knows the quality that he has, he knows the things he needs to improve. He’s another one that is really at it.’

Zinchenko has undergone a slight trasformation already in pre-season having changed his squad number to No.17 from No.35.

‘Fingers crossed; I really hope so!’ he said afterwards, hoping the new number will bring him luck. ‘To be honest, this number is a special one for me. While I was growing up, I always used to wear it. Fingers crossed, let’s see.

‘I’m happy with my goal, but obviously to win every single game is the most important thing and individually as well. I’m just trying to do my job the best way I can. It’s been a really tough season for me, so I’ll try to do my best to bring back this confidence personally and also the love from the fans.

‘It was an amazing result. There are still a lot of things to improve, both individually and collectively but it was an amazing performance.’