Arsenal have been handed a transfer boost in the pursuit of Dynamo Kiev Andriy Yarmolenko by the club’s president Ihor Surki, ruling out Everton and Stoke City who are also interested in the player.
The Ukraine international, considered as the next Andry Shevchencko, has been linked with the Gunners since the winter transfer window and according to the Metro, there were reports from Ukraine that there was an agreement of £23 million between the clubs in January.
Recent reports from the Sun, however claimed that the price-tag have soared up to £25 million.
Surkis made it clear in his statements that the Ukrainian side will only listen to clubs that can offer the 26-year-old Champions League football as he expected the player to move to a club that is more reputed than Everton and Stoke.
Yarmolenko has been in impressive form for his club in recent seasons as well as his national team, and has been reportedly advised by the Ukraine national team coach to move to the Premier League.
“If I get an offer that will suit Dynamo and Yarmolenko wants to go to this club, I will let him. My position is that we should not Yarmolenko go to such clubs like Everton and Stoke City” he told UNIAN.
“Dynamo is Dynamo and Stoke City is Stoke. We are playing in the Champions League, and Stoke City are fighting for survival.
This is somewhat a major boost for the London outfits who are facing competitions from Premier League rivals Everton and Stoke City for the signature of the playmaker. Everton failed in their attempt to sign the winger last summer. The President’s statements may not go down well with Everton and Stoke.
Champions League qualification looks certain for the Gunners after Manchester City 2-4 loss to Southampton put us three points above the Etihad outfits.
Arsenal has been linked with a number of players and Wenger is expected to bring in a suitable playmaker next season.
Yarmolenko is renowned for notching up double figured assists and goals consistently despite playing from the wing, and he will be a quality addition should Wenger look his way.
