Matviyenko’s Shakhtar stint
Mykola Matviyenko is a product of Shakhtar Donetsk’s youth system.
After a couple of loan spells, the 23-year-old has begun to cement himself as a regular feature for the Ukraine outfit.
The central defender has featured 61 times for Shakhtar’s senior side, in which he has scored four and assisted three.
Matviyenko has also been a pivotal member of Shakhtar’s side this term and would feature in all six of their Champions League games.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on December 26, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Copa/Getty Images )
Arsenal linked with Matviyenko
Two of those CL ties came against Premier League champions, Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta was still in the Man City dugout for those games and it appears the Spaniard was a fan of Matviyenko.
Arteta is now, of course, Arsenal’s new boss and recently, the agent of Matviyenko has claimed that he and his colleagues have been in contact with representatives of Arsenal. Matviyenko’s agent also stated the Gunners’ hierarchy have already contacted Shakhtar:
“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.” As quoted by football.london.
Now, on the 23rd of January, Sky Sports News journalist Kaveh Solhekol is reporting that Shakhtar want £30m for Arsenal target, Matviyenko.
Solhekol goes on to state that the North London outfit do indeed want a centre-back but they would prefer a loan.
Shakhtar Donetsk want £30m for Arsenal target Mykola Matviyenko. His agent says the clubs are in talks about a deal for the centre back. Matviyenko played twice against Man City this season when Mikel Arteta was assistant coach there. Arsenal want a centre back but prefer loan
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) January 23, 2020
Matviyenko is currently contracted to Shakhtar until 2021.
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