Arsenal Transfer News: Maycon Reportedly Close to Agreeing Shakhtar Donetsk Deal

Arsenal could reportedly miss the chance to sign Maycon, with the Corinthians midfielder inching closer to joining Shakhtar Donetsk.

A report from Italian source Sport Mediaset (h/t Jordan Russell of Calciomercato, via the Daily Mirror) has outlined how both the Gunners and Serie A side Napoli have been showing interest in Maycon.

However, the 20-year-old is now expected to move to Shakhtar and assume the role occupied by Fred, who is a target for Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Missing out on Maycon would be a blow for Arsenal, especially since the precocious South American could fill a problematic position in manager Arsene Wenger's squad. Specifically, Wenger still needs to find a naturally defensive-minded holding player to anchor midfield and protect a suspect defence.

It's a position the Frenchman has struggled to fill for years, with Switzerland international playmaker Granit Xhaka currently miscast in the role. Xhaka doesn't quite fit, nor does Mohamed Elneny, despite the former FC Basel man's defensive instincts.

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What the Gunners need is a player who will not only sit deep, but also have the tenacity to break up play. Wenger has often tasked tough and resourceful Brazilians with this dual responsibility, with Gilberto Silva and Edu notable examples from earlier in his tenure.

Wenger's history with Brazilian players explains the recent links between Arsenal and Maycon. Earlier this month, UOL Esporte (h/t Metro) reported Maycon viewed a move to north London as his "priority."

Yet for all of Wenger and Arsenal's work with Brazilians down the years, Shakhtar has proved more of a haven for talents from the South American nation.

The likes of Willian, Douglas Costa and Fernandinho came to the attention of Europe's biggest clubs while playing for the Ukrainian outfit. Aside from Fred, today's Shakhtar vintage also features creative forward Bernard, as well as midfielders Taison and Marlos.

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Arsenal's struggles to secure UEFA Champions League football for next season will be another factor against the club.

The side from the Emirates Stadium is sixth in England's top flight, 13 points adrift of the top four. Winning the UEFA Europa League would put the Gunners in Europe's top tournament next season, but it won't be easy, with a strong field left in the last eight.

Shakhtar, meanwhile, are still dominating the Ukrainian Premier League, sitting six points clear at the top.

The club may also soon have an obvious spot for Maycon, with Fred inching closer to City. A potential deal for the latter is reportedly being prepared, with the Citizens loaning Olarenwaju Kayode to Shakhtar to help smooth the process, per ESPN FC (h/t Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News).

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Losing out to Shakhtar for a rising talent from Brazil would be a tough pill to swallow for the Gunners. It would mean Wenger having to expand his search for the defensive midfielder his team has lacked for too long.