Why Arsenal should go all out and sign Mykola Matviyenko
According to Football.London, Mykola Matviyenko has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates as the January transfer window enters its final stages.
And reports by Ukrainian outlet Komanda (h/t Football.london) suggest that Shakhtar Donetsk and Arsenal have now agreed on a fee for the centre-back.
The Gunners endured one of the worst starts to a Premier League season under Unai Emery but have bounced back from the humiliation after Mikel Arteta took over as the manager.
Mykola Matviyenko (Getty Images)
Arsenal are currently 10th in the league standings and after booking a place in the Round of 32 in the Europa League, Arteta’s men overcame Bournemouth to progress further in the FA Cup.
First and foremost, their aim must be to get back into the top-six in the league. While their attack has managed to score 32 goals in 24 games, their frail backline has conceded 34 goals in as many games. Thus, the manager would be wise to bring in reinforcements to tighten their defence.
As the Gunners are in contention for several trophies, they cannot afford to concede more than normal. Therefore, the club must go for Mykola Matviyenko. Arsenal have roped in Pablo Mari to strengthen their defence but given the poor form shown by Shkodran Mustafi and the injury to Calum Chambers, signing one more central defender wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Matviyenko, 23, came through the ranks of Shakhtar Donetsk’s youth system but failed to breakthrough at the senior level. Subsequently, he was sent out on loan spells at Karpaty and Vorskla. Since his return to his parent club, he has been a consistent member of the squad.
This season, he has been a regular under Luis Castro, having featured in 14 league games for the Ukrainian outfit. He has also played in all 6 of the Champions League group stage games, including the two fixtures against Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Ukraine international is capable of playing anywhere in the backline and his versatility would be an added bonus for Arteta.
The 23-year-old has helped the team maintain 8 clean sheets in 14 league games. Matviyenko has also featured 26 times for his country at the international level and that experience would come in handy for him in the Premier League.
Verdict
At 23, he may not have established himself as one of the best but he would be a great signing for Arsenal as far as boosting defensive depth is concerned. Therefore, Arsenal must not stop in their attempts to lure Matviyenko to their side before the transfer window slams shut.
