Arsenal may still be interested in Mykhaylo Mudryk in the winter window, but the winger’s price tag has reportedly increased.
Fabrizio Romano reports (via CaughtOffside) that Shakhtar Donetsk wanted €50m to sell Mykhaylo Mudryk in the winter window – or at least €40m plus add-ons.
But with the winger continuing to perform well for Shakhtar, Romano now predicts the player would cost as much as €60-65m (£52-57m).
This is relevant to Arsenal because various reports from the summer and beyond have linked the Gunners with a move for 21-year-old.
The Guardian’s Nick Ames reported on deadline day that he expects Mudryk to be one of the sagas of the winter window, adding that Arsenal will watch closely to see how he fares in the Champions League.
Fabrizio 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 five goals and assisted seven in his 10 appearances this season, though he did draw a couple of blanks in Shakhtar’s two fixtures against Real Madrid.
“Mykhaylo Mudryk is a serious talent,” club sporting director Darijo Srna said in September. “After Mbappe & Vinicius Jr, he’s the best player in Europe in his position. If someone wants to buy Mudryk they must spend a lot, a lot, a lot of money.”
But 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.”