Arsenal Open Talks With Dynamo Kyiv for Winger Andriy Yarmolenko
Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with Dynamo Kyiv over the potential transfer of Andriy Yarmolenko, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Ukrainian has played for Kyiv since 2007 and has since blossomed into one of the finest players in the Ukrainian League – often being linked with a move to England. And now it would appear Arsene Wenger is making the first move.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, the 26-year-old is reportedly valued by the club at £20m and with contract demands and add-ons the winger could cost the club upwards of £30m.
Yarmolenko tested himself against Premier League defenders this season in the Champions League as his Kyiv side faced Chelsea. And he was a constant thorn in the Blues’ side despite not scoring or assisting.
It is unsurprising then, that Arsenal face tough opposition in persuading Yarmolenko to move to the Emirates. Both Chelsea and Everton are reportedly keen, with Guus Hiddink identifying the winger as the player to turn Chelsea’s season around.
Yarmolenko’s agent was also spotted in the crowd as Everton beat Dagenham and Redbridge in the FA Cup, with manager Roberto Martinez failing to rule out a move after the game.
“I never close the door to anything, so yeah we could see a player of that calibre coming here,” he said.
“It’s the window and there are a couple of situations that could happen. We want the squad to be stronger but at the same time the squad is too big, it was built for European football, and there are a couple who need to go to get regular football.”