By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

23rd Sep, 2023 | 12:00pm

Sources: Arsenal ready to hand Zinchenko pay hike amid dressing room reveal

Arsenal are expected to hand Oleksandr Zinchenko improved wages as part of a new long-term deal at the Emirates, sources have told Football Insider.

The Gunners are keen to tie down Zinchenko, who is viewed within the club as a leader on the pitch and in the dressing room, in order to fend off potential interest.

The 26-year-old still has three years left on his contract in North London but the club are keen to reward the defender for his influence and impact since his arrival last year and new terms with a decent wage bump are likely to be offered.

Zinchenko joined Mikel Arteta’s side last summer after leaving Man City and was an integral part of their second place Premier League finish in the 2022-23 season.

He made the switch to London alongside City teammate Gabriel Jesus and speaking after their arrivals last summer, Arteta said that the pair would provide a “winning mentality” that his side have been missing.

The Ukraine international made 33 appearances across all competitions last term and cemented himself as first choice at left-back ahead of Kieran Tierney, who has since joined Real Sociedad on loan for the season.

Zinchenko has made five appearances this term after missing the opening game of the Premier League season with an injury.

The defender has started three of those matches including their Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday (20 September).

In other news, Arsenal now working on agreeing two more marquee deals.