The 25-year-old heads to North London for a new challenge after a trophy-laden six years at the Etihad Stadium during which he has become the most successful Ukrainian in Premier League history.
He departs with 128 appearances and two goals to his name, and having won every available honour in the English game, including four league titles, four Carabao Cups, one FA Cup and one Community Shield.
“Signing for Manchester City changed my life, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity they gave me,” he told mancity.com.
“It’s a special club and this has been a special period. To have won 10 trophies is incredible and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together.
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“I have loved being part of this squad. Playing alongside world-class players and working with Pep Guardiola has been an absolute privilege and I must say the same about playing in front of the fans, who always made me feel so at home here.
“I thank them all for the support they have given me, and I wish the Club all the best in the future.”
Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “I cannot speak highly enough of Oleks, both as a player and a person.
“He should be very proud of his time here at City. He helped us achieve great things and the way he has conducted himself has been an example to all.
“His professionalism and work ethic has been exceptional, and we all wish him the very best of luck as he begins this new chapter in his career.”
A summer 2016 signing, Zinchenko spent his first season as a City player on loan at PSV Eindhoven in what proved to be a frustrating spell in the Netherlands.
He made 12 league appearances for the Eredivisie side before returning to Manchester ahead of the following campaign, making his debut in a Carabao Cup clash with Wolves in October 2017.
Initially signed as an attacking midfielder, Guardiola converted Zinchenko into a left-back, making use of his attacking qualities in a position which has become central to City’s style of play under the Catalan.
Technically gifted and with an eye for a pass, it is a role he has flourished in.
The Ukrainian went on to make 14 appearances in his debut campaign as part of the Centurions side that won both the Premier League with a record-breaking 100 points and the Carabao Cup.
He went from strength to strength in the following season to further establish himself in Guardiola’s squad, making 29 appearances and starting in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup final as City swept the board to win every available domestic trophy 2018/19.
Zinchenko scored first goal for the Club in the January of that season with a spectacular effort against Burton Albion and he was back at Wembley again in 2019/20, converting in the penalty shootout as City beat Liverpool in the Community Shield before then winning his third Carabao Cup with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.
He made 25 appearances as City lost out to Liverpool in the league that season, but he and City responded to that set-back in fine fashion, playing a career-best 32 games in all competitions as we regained the title and Carabao Cup in 2020/21
However, last season was arguably Zinchenko’s most impressive in a City shirt, both on and off the pitch
The 25-year-old displayed incredible strength of character to continue playing whilst his homeland was beset by war and proved an inspirational figure with numerous selfless acts in aid of his fellow countrymen and women.
He poignantly draped the Ukrainian flag around the Premier League trophy after the dramatic final-day victory over Aston Villa, his last game for the club and undoubtedly one of his best, as he made a game-changing impact off the bench to swing the contest and title race in City’s favour.
It was a fitting end for a player who will be remembered fondly at the Etihad.
Everyone at Manchester City sends Oleksandr their best wishes ahead of his move to Arsenal.
City career stats
Appearances: 128
Goals: 2
Assists: 13
Trophies won: 10 (Four Premier League titles, four Carabao Cups, one FA Cup, one Community Shield)
