Arsenal are keen to sign a Ukraine forward that Mikel Arteta is ‘in love’ with, according to reports.
The Gunners were pipped to the Premier League title by Manchester City for the second consecutive season.
The north London side are set for a busy summer again and will dip into the transfer market in a bid to overcome Pep Guardiola’s men next season.
They have made an approach to sign Girona winger Viktor Tsyhankov as reported by Spanish outlet AS.
The reports claims that Arteta is ‘in love’ with the Ukraine international and believes he would be a ‘perfect’ addition to Arsenal’s attack.
Both Arsenal and AC Milan are said to have made contact with Tsyhankov’s entourage and the prospect of playing in the Champions League is appealing to the player.
Tottenham are also said to be interested in the 23-year-old, who has a €30m (£25.5m) release clause in his Girona contract.
Tsyhankov joined the LaLiga side in January 2023 and has enjoyed a breakout season with eight goals and seven assists to help Girona to a third-place finish.
Girona hope to keep hold of Tsygankov, whose contract runs until 2027, ‘at any cost’ as they seek to build on a superb season that saw them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history.
In a recent interview with AS, Tsygankov opened the door to a move this summer but insisted he will only leave ‘through the front door’.
He said: ‘All players dream big, they want to play in big clubs, top leagues. I’m not unique in this.
‘Since I was young I wanted to play at a high level and of course I like 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 game, but I don’t know what will happen to my future.
‘Girona has given me a lot and I am very grateful. Furthermore, my family is very happy here and I am very comfortable.
‘If I’m still here in Girona, perfect, because I’m very happy and I enjoy what I do. If in the end the future says that I have to leave, I want to do it through the front door.’
