Mykola Matviyenko to Brighton transfer: Arsenal and Man City interest, Roberto De Zerbi factor

Brighton are interested in signing Mykola Matviyenko from Shakhtar Donetsk. Roberto De Zerbi managed the Ukrainian international during the 2021/22 season. Arsenal and Manchester City have also been interested. The defender's contract with Shaktar Donetsk was cut short due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Mykola Matviyenko is a product of the Shakhtar academy. He is versatile and can play as a centre-back and a left full- back. Matvyenko was used as left-sided defender in the past, but Paulo Fonseca started playing him in centre back in 2016. He was close friends with Arsenal full back Oleksandr Zinchenko. Arsenal and Manchester City are interested in signing him. The defender is good at finding space and finding the ball. he is not tall but is very mobile and intelligent.

Matviyenko has 52 caps for Ukraine and has Champions League experience. He is a composed and experienced centre-back. His main strengths are blocking crosses and shots and playing out from the back. However, he is not the strongest aerially and he easily gets dominated in the air. He can be world-class when playing in a back three formation with three defenders. If he plays in back four, however, a tall defender should be added to the team. In Euro 2020 against Sweden, Matviev played as a left centre back in 3-4-2-1 formation.

Mykola Matviyenko is being chased by Brighton. He has been a stalwart for Shakhtar Donetsk since the winter of 2013. Roberto De Zerbi used to manage him at Shaktar. Matvyenko and Dezerbi know each other well.  Andrea Maldera is the assistant manager at Brighton and is a good fit for Matyiyenko. Arsenal and Manchester City are interested in signing him. The defender is coming into his prime. His form for his club and his country is impressive.

Todos is certain that Mykola Matviyenko will join Brighton. The player is available for £20m but Shakhtar may demand more. Shaktar are expecting a lot of money if winger Mykhailo Mudryk leaves the club in January or next summer. Carlo Nicolini is worth 100m Euros to the Ukrainian club.