Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian midfield maestro, has heaped praise on Arsenal’s £30m defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, calling him an “unbelievable” player. Despite the intense rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, De Bruyne has not held back in expressing his admiration for his former teammate.
Arsenal and Manchester City: Rivals at the Top
Arsenal and Manchester City have been fierce competitors in the Premier League, battling it out for the top spot over the past two seasons. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal came close to securing their first top-flight trophy in two decades, only to be outpaced by Manchester City in the final stretch.
De Bruyne’s High Praise for Zinchenko
During the UEFA Euro 2024, where De Bruyne’s Belgium secured a spot in the last 16 after a draw against Ukraine, De Bruyne took the opportunity to commend Zinchenko. “I love Zinna [Oleksandr Zinchenko]. Zinna is [an] unbelievable guy,” De Bruyne stated. He highlighted Zinchenko’s contributions both at Manchester City and Arsenal, praising his leadership qualities and strong performances.

Zinchenko’s Impact at Arsenal
Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal in 2022 for £30m, has been a pivotal figure in the team’s defense, making 66 appearances under Arteta. His presence has fortified Arsenal’s backline, contributing significantly to the team’s performance.
Future Prospects for Zinchenko
Despite De Bruyne’s glowing remarks, there are speculations about Zinchenko’s future at Arsenal. The club is reportedly considering upgrades in their defense this summer. With two years left on his contract, Arsenal is in a solid position to negotiate a substantial fee if they decide to part ways with the 27-year-old Ukrainian international.
Kevin De Bruyne’s endorsement of Oleksandr Zinchenko underscores the defender’s talent and impact on the field. As Arsenal looks to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season, Zinchenko’s future remains uncertain. However, his contributions have clearly left a lasting impression on one of Europe’s top players.

