Zinchenko hails Arteta factor after joining Arsenal

said that

Mikel Arteta

was "the most important factor" in his choice to move from

to

.

The versatile left-back, the captain of Ukraine and often plays in midfield, went to the United States to meet up with the Gunners on their preseason tour. Zinchenko was at Arsenal's 3-1 win over

Orlando City

. He officially joined the Gunners on Friday.

The 25-year-old is thought to have signed a contract that keeps him at the

Emirates Stadium

until the end of the 2025-26 season. According to reports, Arsenal paid £30 million upfront and could pay an additional £2 million in add-ons.

Zinchenko worked with Arteta when Arteta was an assistant coach for Pep Guardiola at City. Zinchenko says Arteta was a big reason why he decided to move to north London.

"I would say it's the most important part of my decision," Zinchenko told Arsenal's official website. "I've known [Mikel] for a long time and used to work with him at Manchester City."

"I was so impressed by how well we worked together. I remember how hard we worked in training, and then right after that, we did our work. I learned a lot from the manager, and I hope I can learn even more.

"I've known since his first day at City that he'll be a great manager. The way he sees football, especially Arsenal's games from the last season, which I enjoyed.

"You can get a picture of the game from the style, so I'd love to see it while I'm playing and taking part." Zinchenko is leaving City after winning the Premier League four times, and he says he is ready for another challenge. "I'm ready to try something new. "I'm not here to waste my or Arsenal's time because the club is always in the spotlight," he said. I'm here to do big things, and I hope we can win some titles. I also hope we'll fight for every title we compete for."

"I've been watching Arsenal's games since last season, and I could smell it coming, you know? The team is getting so big fast, and I think it's time to let them go. "It's time to do our best and make a big difference." It's still unclear whether Zinchenko will play in defense or up front, but if he plays in midfield, he'll try to be like Cesc Fabregas, one of his favorite players as a child.

"This is a boyhood dream come true because I was a huge fan when I was a kid," he said. I've enjoyed watching Arsenal games since Thierry Henry and young Cesc Fabregas played hers. I started to like this club, so I'm excited and can't wait to play for this great club.

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