LAST MONTH SAW some familiar headlines do the rounds as Andriy Yarmolenko was linked with moves to Arsenal and Stoke.
Over the past few years, there have been plenty of other Premier League teams rumoured to be interested in the winger’s services.
Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea were all supposedly in the hunt though, despite the relentless gossip, the 26-year-old remains at Dynamo Kiev and signed a new five-year deal with the Ukrainian club back in October.
But, a big performance against Manchester City could lead to renewed summer interest while he’s set to play a vital role for his country at Euro 2016 too.
Last term, he racked up a magnificent 18 goals and 19 assists as Dynamo finished ten points clear of Shakhtar at the top of the table while he’s managed to reach double figures again this term while hampered with injury.
It remains to be seen just why clubs have decided against pushing through with a too-hard-to-turn-down offer for the powerful and imposing forward.
Negotiations with Dynamo are notoriously difficult with president Igor Surkis carrying quite the reputation for playing hardball with clubs interested in his players.
Standing at 6′ 2″, Yarmolenko is an intimidating presence and the jewel in Dynamo’s crown. Quick and strong, he’s entering his peak and knows what he can offer football in another country, most notably England.
Speaking to The Guardian recently about his aspirations, it’s clear he desperately wants to play in the Premier League.
“The focus is on physical battles while the tactical aspect is not as important,” he said.
It’s all about the entertainment and that’s why the stadiums are always sold out, that’s why they sign these multibillion TV deals. Playing for such big crowds is what every player dreams about. I would like to do that week in and week out. It would be great to step into a stadium like that every three or four days. [That kind of atmosphere] is definitely something we lack here in Ukraine.”
Yarmolenko scored twice in the Champions League group stages but didn’t offer much in either game with Chelsea.
Something special over two legs against City could put him in the shop window once again.
But his fresh contract complicates matters, as does the lack of a release clause.
Despite the relentless chatter and Yarmolenko’s own ambitions, he needs big performances to seal the deal.
For Premier League clubs, there is a risk in bringing in an expensive signing from eastern Europe given the cultural shift and lack of previous success stories.
Still, Yarmolenko could prove the exception.
