Arsenal Turning Attention To Ukrainian Defender

Arsenal are shifting their attentions to Mykola Matviyenko, according to Simon Jones of Mail Sport.

Lisandro Martinez is edging closer to a move to Manchester United.

Arsenal were interested in the Argentine to join for his versatility and ability to play left-back.

However, Ajax's reluctance to reduce their price and the players desire to reunite with his former boss Erik Ten Hag has led to the Gunners backing out of negotiations.

According to Simon Jones, Arsenal have now shifted their attention to Ukrainian defender Mykola Matviyenko.

Ajax are also reportedly interested in the 26-year-old to replace Martinez.

Matviyenko plays for Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine and has done for his entire career.

In that time he's made 131 appearances for the club.

He is also a regular in the Ukraine national team, making 51 appearances so far.

For his time in Ukraine he's also won multiple trophies, including three Ukrainian league titles.

Mikel Arteta's interest in the defender likely stems from his versatility.

Naturally, Matviyenko is a centre-back.

However, he has played a lot of his career at left-back and excels there.

He is also very two-footed, sometimes even playing at right-back.

Arsenal have issues with both their full-backs.

Last season, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu missed almost half the league games.

It was a big factor that contributed to the downfall of their top four hopes and is a problem Arsenal must fix.

In Matviyenko, Arsenal could solve both issues.

The Gunners' are far from finished with their summer business. With links to Youri Tielemans and Lucas Paqueta continuing, fans are in for an exciting few weeks as they wait to see who arrives at the Emirates.