Arsenal remain interested in Mykhaylo Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk ahead of the January transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Reporting for CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano claims that Arsenal remain interested in Mykhaylo Mudryk, having followed the winger for a long time.
The Gunners reportedly haven’t made any decision yet, but they’ll need to move fast if they want to do a deal. The race is still very open and Shakhtar want €60m+.
Ben Jacobs reported in October that Arsenal are one of the clubs interested in Mudryk ahead of the January transfer window, though they didn’t make a bid in the summer.
Romano previously claimed 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. His Champions League performances have given his profile a boost.
Shakhtar sporting director Carlo Nicolini suggested they may hold out for even more.
“Is €40m enough to buy him? We do not speak to these figures,” Nicolini said.
“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.”
Romano reported in August that Arsenal explored the conditions of a deal on the player’s side, 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 seven goals and assisted seven in his 12 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.”