Liverpool, Arsenal on alert as Brazil star confirms Shakhtar exit
Arsenal and Liverpool target Bernard has confirmed that he will be leaving Shakhtar Donetsk when his contract expires at the end of the month.
The 25-year-old Brazilian moved to Ukraine in 2013 and has spent five successful seasons at the club, winning nine trophies with them during that time.
Bernard has often been linked with a move to a more competitive league, and confirmed in March that he wanted to “play for a bigger club.”
The winger scored 10 goals in all competitions last season as Shakhtar won the Ukrainian domestic treble and reached the Last 16 of the Champions League. One of those goals came in the 2-1 Group Stage win against Manchester City.
Having consistently proven his influence for Shakhtar, the player is now ready to test himself on a bigger stage, and will not be renewing his contract with the club – meaning he can be picked up for free this summer.
'Many thanks to the fans for their support, respect and friendship. I want to give everyone a hug!'@b_10duarte recalls the highlights of his spell at Shakhtar and addresses the fans ⬇https://t.co/f8imtrBwrX
— FC SHAKHTAR ENGLISH (@FCShakhtar_eng) June 20, 2018
Earlier this month, Italian-based journalist Andersinho Marques claimed that Liverpool and Arsenal will battle to sign the 14-cap player on a free transfer, although clubs in China are also interested.
Bernard could prove to be a very shrewd replacement for Philippe Coutinho at Anfield, with the club still recovering from the midfielder’s January departure to Barcelona.