WILLIAM GALLAS has ruled out Oleksandr Zinchenko as Arsenal move closer to signing Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian defender will join the Gunners’ squad in the US on their pre-season tour after agreeing a deal believed to be worth £42million.
The 22-year-old, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, could pose a problem for two players, Jakbub Kiwior and Zinchenko, who fall further down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
But Arsenal legend Gallas believes Zinchenko had a hugely positive impact from the start when he moved to Arsenal from Manchester City two years ago.
However, his form dipped last season and he is now “making a lot of mistakes” after also suffering a series of injuries.
He told Gambling Zone: “I think Zinchenko had similar problems when he was at Manchester City.
“If you remember, I don’t think he played many of his important games because Pep Guardiola thought his defensive ability was limited.
“On the ball and in possession, he is a talented player. He is good on the counterattack, but when you ask him to defend and when you put pressure on him, he makes mistakes.
“He has made a lot of mistakes at Arsenal and that’s why they are looking to improve their defence.
“I think Arsenal’s football has evolved from what Zinchenko offers them.”
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Calafiori had some impressive performances in Serie A last season, making 30 appearances for Bologna and helping them qualify for the Champions League.
And Gallas believes Calafiori’s signing will make Arsenal’s defence even stronger.
He added: “I spoke to one of my friends who knows a lot about Italian football and asked him what he thought of it.
“My friend played in Italy for several years and watches Serie A every week; he played for Inter Milan and Lazio, he was a great player, but I won’t say who; and he told me that Ricardo Calafiori is really very good.
“He is young, has quality and can play as a centre-back or left-back.
“I think he would be a good signing for Arsenal because the club doesn’t really have a left-back at the moment. There are doubts about that position.”
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