Arsenal reportedly in talks with Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov
According to the latest reports in Spain, Arsenal have made contact to sign Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov during the summer transfer window. Manager Mikel Arteta is looking to bring in a striker to strengthen his offensive line and the Ukrainian has emerged as a potential target.
Viktor Tsygankov, born in Israel, started his youth career at Nyva Vinnytsia in 2009 and played there until 2010. At the age of 14, he moved to Ukraine and obtained Ukrainian citizenship. He joined Dynamo Kyiv’s youth team in 2011 and was promoted to the senior team in 2016.
The 26-year-old has made 236 appearances for the Ukrainian club, scoring 94 goals and registering 64 assists (Stats via Transfermarkt). In January 2023, he signed with La Liga club Girona on a four and a half year contract. He has had an impressive 2023-24 campaign, accumulating 8 goals and 7 assists in 30 league matches (Stats via Transfermarkt).
Now, as reported by Spanish publication AS (via Metro), Arsenal have approached Girona striker Viktor Tsygankov for a summer move to the Emirates. The Gunners have contacted the player’s representatives to discuss a potential transfer.
The report claims that the prospect of stable Champions League football is very attractive to the Ukraine international. Additionally, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is wowed by the winger’s skills and believes the striker would be a great addition to his squad.
π¨π | AC Milan and Arsenal have inquired with his agents about Girona winger Viktor Tsygankov. He has a release clause of β¬30 million. @diarioas πΊπ¦ pic.twitter.com/Ct5DpvO3qm
β Milan Matters (@MilanMatters) June 4, 2024
However, the north Londoners will face tough competition for the player’s signature, according to the Spanish publication. AC Milan have also made contact with the 26-year-old’s entourage regarding a possible transfer. PL rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also keen to secure his services.
Meanwhile, Girona do not want to lose the striker and hope to retain their asset beyond this summer. The La Liga club had already started making efforts to retain the Ukrainian in January, offering him a new contract which would include a higher release clause.
However, the two sides have not yet reached an agreement. So it’s understandable that he’s a target for many big clubs, especially given his performances and skills. Tsygankov’s current contract with Girona runs until June 2027 and also includes a β¬30 million release clause.
Viktor Tsygankov the winger linked to Arsenal
What do you think, family? pic.twitter.com/vPRlaRo1A0
β π¦ππ½πΌππ (@_goatnelli) June 5, 2024
However, the 26-year-old has no plans to leave the Spanish club by force. Viktor Tsygankov has expressed his views on the interest he is receiving from top European clubs, including Arsenal. Speaking in an interview with AS (via Give Me Sport), he said:
βAll players dream big, they want to play in big clubs, high-level leagues. I am not unique in this area.
“Since I was young I wanted to play at a high level and of course I like the fact that there are important clubs in Europe looking out for me. I don’t really know what will happen. In football, anything can happen.
“Maybe I was able to play my last match, but I don’t know what will happen to my future. Girona has given me a lot and I am very grateful to them. Besides, my family is very happy here and I feel very comfortable.
“If I’m still here in Girona, it’s perfect because I’m very happy and I love what I do. If in the end the future tells me that I have to leave, I want to do it through the front door. Β»
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Currently, the Girona winger is focusing on the 2024 European Championship with the Ukrainian national team. Expectations are high for him given his recent exploits and he will want to go deeper in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the Gunners as well as other European clubs will be keeping a close eye on the winger and his performances. This will help them make a final decision on whether to go all-in for the Ukrainian attacker or consider other options.
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