Gunners in hunt for ‘Ukrainian Messi’

Arsenal, along with Bayern Leverkusen, Wolfsburg and Manchester United, are chasing Dnipro playmaker Yevhen Konoplyanka, reports talkSPORT.

The 23-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in European football and been branded the ‘Ukrainian Lionel Messi’ by his home nation due to his technical ability and vision.

Konoplyanka made 22 appearances in all competitions for Dnipro last season, finding the net five times and has become a regular for the Ukraine senior side since making the breakthrough in 2010.

The player’s agent, James Lippett, recently revealed that there are top sides in both England and Germany watching his client, and also claims Konoplyanka may consider a move away from Dnipro this summer:

‘Yevhen is very highly rated amongst the top teams in England and Germany.

‘The question is simply whether these clubs can meet Dnipro’s valuation and the player’s expectations.’

It is thought Konoplyanka is valued at around £13 million.

I personally don’t believe we need him at Arsenal, as we have a number of creative players at the club already. But it does look like a deal Arsene Wenger would be interested in pursuing further.