Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Mykola Matviyenko, according to reports in Ukraine, but David Ornstein seems more sceptical.

Ukrainian outlet Komanda N1 claim Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk are in agreement for the possible January transfer of Mykola Matviyenko to North London.

They add that this doesn’t necessarily mean it will happen. Arsenal reportedly have to decide between the centre-back and Pablo Mari. As we know, that deal is starting to become a bit messy.

Even so, the suggestion is that Arsenal would just need to pull the trigger on the Matviyenko deal if they really want him.

David Ornstein didn’t seem quite that optimistic about it on The Ornstein and Chapman Podcast on Monday.

“They (Arsenal) had also been linked with Mykola Matviyenko, the Shakhtar Donetsk centre-half…who we talked about being on Manchester City’s list. Perhaps that was one Mikel Arteta brought with him to the Emirates,” Ornstein suggested.

“But, I don’t think that one’s going to happen in January because I don’t think they (Shakhtar Donetsk) want to loan him out and he’s not available for a low fee.”

The update from Ukraine came out after David Ornstein had already recorded the podcast. It’s possible there’s now new information on the topic. Still, it’s hard to see it coming off if Shakhtar don’t want to loan and Arsenal can’t afford to buy.

The one way around that, of course, is if Arsenal structure the deal with a loan upfront and an obligation to buy in the summer. That way Shakhtar know for certain they’re getting their fee. Plus, the Gunners have a bit of time to gather the funds. It’s not impossible.