Latest developments
- Bournemouth identify Georgiy Sudakov as a transfer target.
- Napoli are also keen on the Shakhtar Donetsk attacker.
- Shakhtar are set to demand a considerable fee.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Bournemouth to rival Napoli for Sudakov
Bournemouth are reportedly interested in signing Shakhtar's Sudakov in the summer transfer window.
That is according to AreaNapoli.it, who claim that Bournemouth, along with Napoli, have been keeping tabs on the attacker for a number of months.
Value (3/5): Cherries looking to raise funds
There is a belief that Shakhtar will demand around €45m (£38.3m) to €50m (£42.6m) to part ways with Sudakov in the summer transfer window.
As a result, Bournemouth may need to sell either Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez, before they can consider stepping up their interest in the Ukraine international.
Suitability (3.5/5): Attacker with potential
Bournemouth have demonstrated with the likes of Huijsen and Kerkez that they can be the perfect club to help highly-rated talents improve and develop before they seek moves to bigger clubs.
At 22, Sudakov is another player with potential who could thrive in Andoni Iraola's squad. He would certainly strengthen Bournemouth's attacking options, having scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 35 competitive appearances for Shakhtar this season.
Upgrade? (3/5): Kluivert competiton
Sudakov tends to play as a number 10, which would put him in direct competition with Bournemouth talisman Justin Kluivert.
The Ukrainian would have his work cut out to move above Kluivert in the pecking order, considering the Dutchman has registered 12 goals and six assists in 29 Premier League matches this season.
Logic (4/5): Premier League challenge
Having made 136 appearances for Shakhtar, Sudakov may view this summer as the right time to seek a new challenge away from the Ukrainian club.
A move to the Premier League would surely be an enticing prospect, and Bournemouth could be a good club for him to prove that he has the quality to compete in the English top flight.
With that said, Sudakov could be given alternative Premier League options to Bournemouth, with Brentford and Everton believed to be showing an interest.
Whisper+ verdict: 15.5/25
Sudakov has the ability to be a worthy signing for the Cherries, but it remains to be seen whether Bournemouth would be willing to pay Shakhtar's asking price. They would also have to fend off rival interest, meaning there is considerable doubt as to whether they could pull off this move.
