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Football London
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Jake Stokes

Oleksandr Zinchenko's first words as an Arsenal player as he issues Premier League challenge

Oleksandr Zinchenko has issued a Premier League title challenge after completing a move to Arsenal from Manchester City. The 25-year-old, who has penned a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, is the Gunners' latest signing of the summer following the arrivals of Marquinhos, Matt Turner, Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus.

The Ukraine international has insisted that he's eager for a new challenge, with silverware in his sights. Zinchenko's move to north London follows Edu's mission to undergo an overhaul this summer as Mikel Arteta seeks Champions League qualification.

And, singing from the same hymn sheet as the Spaniard, Arsenal's fifth signing spoke to the club's official website. Zinchenko began: "Thank you so much. First of all I would like to say this is a boyhood dream come true, because I was a massive fan when I was a kid.

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"Since Thierry Henry and young Cesc Fabregas was playing here, I was just enjoying watching those games, that Arsenal. And obviously I started to love this club, so I am so excited and I cannot wait to play for this amazing club."

Zinchenko continued by vocalising his desire to achieve 'big things' at Arsenal. He added: "I’m ready for another challenge. I’m not here just to waste my time and the time of Arsenal because the club is always in front of everyone.

"I am here to achieve big things and I hope we can win some titles, and I hope we are going to fight for every title in which we are going to be involved. Even from the last season, I was watching The Arsenal’s games and I could smell it’s coming, you know? The team is growing up so quickly and I think it’s time. It’s time to do our best and to achieve something big."

Zinchenko concluded his first interview as a Gunner by detailing the feeling of donning an Arsenal shirt for the first time. He said: "It’s unbelievable, honestly, like I said, it’s a dream come true and since I was a kid I couldn’t even dream about it, but now it’s time, so I’m so happy."

The Ukrainian featured just 15 times for City in the Premier League last season, directly contributing towards four goals from left-back. However, Zinchenko is a No. 10 by trade and he has impressed at the Etihad Stadium despite limited game time and the power is now in Arteta's hands to decide how his new signing fits best in north London.

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