It’s only a matter of time before Manor Solomon leaves Shakhtar Donetsk amid interest from Roma, Atalanta, Arsenal and Aston Villa, the winger’s agent has told Israeli publication Sport5.
When receiving offers for star players, it isn’t often Shakhtar are willing to stand in their way.
In recent years, Fred, Fernandinho, Douglas Costa, Willian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Elano and more have bid farewell to the perennial Ukrainian champions. Solomon, a quicksilver, 22-year-old winger, could be in the next cab off the rank.
Sport Arena in Ukraine claimed Arsenal made a £17 million bid for Solomon in the summer transfer window.
Top-flight rivals Aston Villa were also reported to be interested at the time before opting for the safer option of Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen.
Could Manor Solomon still end up at Arsenal or Aston Villa?
Solomon produced 11 goals in all competitions as Shakthar won another domestic title last season and, despite a slow start to the current campaign, his representative feels a big-money move isn’t a million miles away.
“Shakhtar refused (offers from) anyone who approached them (during the summer),” says Shlomy Ben Ezra, the youngster’s agent.
“January is another starting point because there’s another transfer window but it depends on the team’s results in the Champions League. In the end, (a move away) will happen.”
Reading between the lines, it seems Shakhtar will look to retain Solomon’s services if they’re still playing Champions League football in the spring.
Given they lost 2-0 to Moldovan minnows FK Sheriff on match-day one – and with Inter Milan and Real Madrid still to come in the group stage – the prospect of a Bayern Munich, Chelsea or PSG arriving in Ukraine come the spring seems fanciful.
Speaking to One today, former Stamford Bridge boss Avram Grant confessed his belief Solomon would end up in the Premier League eventually.
“Sure! There are no players like him who can easily dribble past players. He’s getting better all the time, he’s a professional guy,” Grant said.
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