Arsenal have made an approach to sign Girona star Viktor Tsyhankov in the summer transfer window.
Tsyhankov swapped Dynamo Kyiv for Girona in January 2023 and the 26-year-old shone as the club secured a historic third-placed finish in La Liga, in what was the Ukrainian’s first full season in Spain.
However, an eye-catching return of eight goals and seven assists in just 30 appearances for Girona has put Tsyhankov firmly on the radar of some of Europe’s heavyweight teams in recent months.
And while Tsygankov is said to be fully focussed on Ukraine’s forthcoming Euro 2024 campaign, speculation is mounting that the attacking midfielder could be set for a big-money summer move.
Spanish publication AS report that Arsenal and AC Milan have established contact with Tsygankov’s entourage and the prospect of Champions League football – which both clubs are able to offer – is greatly appealing to the Ukraine international.
The report claims Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is ‘in love’ with Tsygankov and believes the player would be a ‘perfect’ addition to his current attacking options at the Emirates.
Tottenham are also thought to be interested in the Isreal-born winger, who has a €30m (£25.5m) release clause in his contract at Girona.
Girona hope to keep hold of Tsygankov ‘at any cost’ and opened discussions with the player in January over a possible contract extension and increased release clause.
But no agreement was reached, with the attacker keen to concentrate on his football at what was a crucial stage of the season in Girona’s pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Tsygankov’s current contract with Girona, which he signed upon arrival in Catalonia, runs through to the summer of 2027.
In a recent interview with AS, Tsygankov said he had no intention of forcing his way out of Girona and would only leave ‘through the front door’.
Quizzed on the reported interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs, he replied: ‘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.’
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