Arsenal told to pay £30m for Ukraine international

North London giants Arsenal have been told they must pay £30 million if they want to sign Shakhtar Donetsk defender Mykola Matviyenko in January. 

The Gunners are in desperate need of a new centre-back with the trio of Rob Holding, Calum Chambers and Sokratis Papastathopoulos ruled out with injuries. 

David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi are the only two fit senior centre-backs at the moment and the have both been in awful form. And, the former is banned after his red card in the big game against Chelsea. 

The Gunners were eyeing a move for Ukraine international Matviyenko to ease their situation but Arteta has been dealt a huge blow after being told he must spend £30m to land the 23-year-old. 

The Ukrainian has impressed during Shakhtar's Champions League campaign that has seen him attract a host of suitors across Europe. 

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." 

Now, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners would be willing to match Shakhtar's demands for their star defender. 

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 is desperate to make reinforcements to his squad after failing to inspire the Gunners to a change in their fortunes.  

They are now tenth in the table, 10 points behind their rivals Chelsea and it seems an uphill task for them to finish in top four this season.

Featured Image Credits - The Daily Star