Chelsea hopes to hijack Arsenal’s pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk.
According to a recent report from the Guardian, the Blues have a January shortlist of three players, including Enzo Fernandez of Benfica, Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton, and Mudryk of Shakhtar.
Interestingly, despite being three of Europe’s most sought-after players, Chelsea appears well-positioned to sign them.
Clearly not opposed to splashing the cash during the winter transfer window, owner Todd Boehly will be licking his lips at the prospect of not only signing a future star but also scuttling the transfer plans of his biggest rivals by acquiring Mudryk.
The Gunners have been huge admirers of 21-year-old attacker Mudryk for several months and recently made a bid of approximately €40 million for him.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Arsenal has sprung into action and is actively pursuing the signing of Mudryk in the early stages of the January transfer window.
“Arsenal enter into the key stages of the negotiations to sign Mykhailo Mudryk, the Ukrainian star playing for Shakhtar Donetsk,” transfer guru Romano posted in his YouTube update following reports of the bid.
“There is no problem at all on the player’s side but the key point now is to reach an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk. In the last hours Arsenal have made an official opening bid for Mudryk.
“[The] official bid is worth €40million guaranteed fee plus €20million in add ons so the total package is €60million [£53million].”
Two days later, however, there has been no movement and no announcement, suggesting that Shakhtar are holding out for a higher price – the Ukrainian club have stated publicly that they believe he is worth closer to €100 million.
“Talks for Mudryk are on,” confirmed Shakhtar CEO on Thursday morning.
“We receive offers but not the ones we would like to see on our table. I’ll speak again to Arsenal so yes, we are open to discussing fees and ideas. If we will agree, then let it be so. If we will not, then let it be another time. Now, literally in five minutes, I will have a new phone call conversation with Arsenal for the Mykhaylo Mudryk deal.”
Consequently, what is the current situation as of Friday afternoon?
“Arsenal and Shakhtar are still in contact. This is 100% confirmed. They are speaking, they are negotiating,” said Romano.
“But at the moment, still no agreement in place. Let’s see whether Arsenal submit one more official bid. One more bid is expected by Arsenal because they want to try again, they want to get closer.
“The feeling around those close to the negotiations is that Shakhtar are asking for €100million, but that they can lower their expectations for something around €80-85million. Let’s see if Arsenal decide to go with that kind of proposal. If they decide to wait and negotiate. But for sure, Arsenal are still in contact with Shakhtar.”