Arsenal have had to be creative with their squad over the past few weeks as injuries took their toll.
For instance, Arsenal have been using Mikel Merino – a midfielder by trade – as a centre-forward in wake of injuries to most of their main forwards.
Mikel Arteta’s decision to use Merino up front has yielded mixed results, with some solid performances by the Spaniard along with some unremarkable displays.
Now, Arteta has spoken about about another Arsenal player who is adapting “really well in training” in a different position to what he’s used to.
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Mikel Arteta says Oleksandr Zinchenko has ‘adapted really well’ in Arsenal training
The player in question is Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is being played in midfield despite being utilised at left-back for much of his time at Arsenal.
Arteta has given Zinchenko a number of cameo appearances at No. 8 in recent weeks, and he has done quite well in the role.
The Arsenal manager was asked what he feels Zinchenko has brought to the Gunners’ midfield.
“He’s very good, and with the options that we have, we believe that it’s a position that he can help in and that suits him,” Arteta told the Arsenal website.
“He’s played there before, I’ve known him for many years and he can really fit in that position, and he’s adapted really well in training.
“He had a few opportunities in the last few games as well to show that. So, I’m happy that he’s doing well there.”
What Mikel Arteta has said about Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future
Zinchenko has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium for a number of months now.
The likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly and even Jakub Kiwior are ahead of the £30million man in the defensive pecking order.
It has been reported that Zinchenko ‘has now accepted that it would be futile to keep pushing to get into the squad on a more regular basis’.
When pressed on the subject, Arteta said he would be in discussions with Zinchenko over his future – but that would be the case with every Arsenal player.
“I do that with every player before we finalise the season, if possible, if we have time to do so,” he said.
“So everybody’s clear on expectations from each other, clarity about how we’re feeling about each other and how that relationship can continue is the best thing, and other things to do and discuss.
“I’m certainly going to have that discussion with all of them.”
With Thomas Partey and Jorginho set to be out of contract in the summer, Zinchenko could potentially enjoy a resurgence as a midfielder at Arsenal.
