ARSENAL have been told to stump up £30million if they want to sign Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko this month.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a new centre-back with injuries claiming Rob Holding, Calum Chambers and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
Arsenal will have to pay £30m if they want to sign Mykola MatviyenkoCredit: Getty
David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi, meanwhile, have been in awful form – with the former banned after his red card in the Chelsea clash.
But Arteta has been dealt a huge blow after being told he must spend £30m to land Matviyenko.
The Ukrainian star, 23, impressed during Shakhtar’s Champions League campaign – even earning the attention of Manchester City.
And Arsenal fans were thrilled after the 20-cap Ukraine defender liked a host of Instagram pictures related to the club and his move.
Matviyenko’s agent, Yuriy Danchenko, even confirmed talks with the Gunners were ongoing.
Danchenko said: “My colleagues and I have been constantly in contact with representatives of the Arsenal, and have meetings.
“The Gunners’ hierarchy have already contacted [Shakhtar], and we hope that these negotiations will succeed.”
Arsenal are also thought to be keen on Red Bull Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.
But that deal could hinge on whether or not club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is sold to Barcelona in a proposed £40m deal.
Should they sell Aubameyang, the club could use the money on Matviyenko, with £10m change for some reinforcements elsewhere.
Mikel Arteta refuses to comment on any future transfers at Arsenal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
