Shakhtar Donetsk deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini has confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Mykhaylo Mudryk, but slapped a huge price tag on him.

Speaking to the media this week, Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director Carlo Nicolini responded to a question about reports of interest in Mykhaylo Mudryk from Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as claims about the player’s price tag.

“They are two teams that have taken an interest in the player,” Nicolini confirmed. “But there are also other clubs that can spend right away.

“Is €40m enough to buy him? We do not speak to these figures. Not even for €50m, we don’t even call the president to communicate the offer. We value Mudryk more than Antony of Manchester United, who cost €100m.

“We are not obliged to sell…in this team, he is the most decisive. If you want to take on certain players who make a difference in the top clubs, you also need the right money.”

Whether Shakhtar would really hold out for €100m (£86.3m) or more remains to be seen, but it’s pretty clear they want to put out the message that they aren’t going to sell cheap.

Ben Jacobs reported this week that Arsenal were one of the clubs interested in Mudryk ahead of the January transfer window, though they didn’t make a bid in the summer.

Fabrizio Romano had claimed that Shakhtar wanted €50m to sell Mudryk in the winter window – or at least €40m plus add-ons, but he’d now cost as much as €60-65m. It seems Shakhtar may now be holding out for even more.

Romano had reported that Arsenal explored the conditions of a deal on the player’s side in August, but it didn’t lead to a late bid as the Gunners focused on signing a midfielder.

David Ornstein confirmed for The Athletic that Mudryk was among Arsenal’s candidates for a wide-forward signing before that ultimately unsuccessful shift to a pursuit of a midfield signing.

Mudryk has scored six goals and assisted seven in his 11 appearances this season.

Speaking about a potential transfer to the Premier League recently, Mudryk admitted it’s a dream of his, and he wouldn’t be able to turn Arsenal down.

“Every guy dreams it (playing in the Premier League),” Mudryk said. “Arsenal are a very good team, very good coach, I like the way they play.

“From my side, I can’t say no (if Arsenal made an offer). But transfers are not only my decision and my word.

“In winter, we will see. There were a lot of discussions about the transfer, about clubs who want me. But it’s normal. Now, I’m in Shakhtar and I want to play in this team. I love this team.”