The rumours have dried up recently, but now there are reports from Spain suggesting that Arsenal are close to signing Andriy Yarmolenko.
There have been numerous reports in Spain that Arsenal are in talks to sign the 49 time capped Ukranian, but his preference is reportedly Barcelona. With the Spanish club not interested though, he is considering an offer from Arsenal.
Last season Yarmolenko scored 4 and assisted 7 goals in 10 Europa League games for Dynamo Kiev. He’s managed 71 goals in total in his 178 appearances for Kiev.
He has all the ingredients to meet what Arsenal are looking for. Aged 25, moving into his prime years – he’s tall (6ft 2′) and he is very efficient in the final third.
Whilst not naturally a number 9, Yarmolenko is often deployed as a striker but is equally comfortable on the left or right wing. It is that versatility that may make him an attractive option for Arsene Wenger.
What will make Wenger hesitate is the fact he is not proven outside of Ukraine. He may require some adjustment time and right now Arsenal need a world class player who can come in and perform immediately.
I personally think Yarmolenko is a back up option. He may well be signed if we don’t manage to secure our priority signing. Who is our priority? We will have to wait and see.