Primary Arsenal transfer target ‘pushing’ for move, but Edu faces major obstacle to conclude deal

Mykhaylo Mudryk is trying to force through a move to Arsenal, although the Gunners are in disagreement with Shakhtar Donetsk over a big part of the deal, TEAMtalk has been told.

Mudryk has been on Arsenal’s radar for several months now. Their scouts have been impressed by the winger’s performances both in the Ukrainian top flight and in the Champions League.

And Mudryk is open about his desire to leave Shakhtar, as he feels he is ready to take that big next step in his career – with Arsenal the leading suitors to snap him up.

Last month, he said: “I follow Arsenal closely, they’re a very dynamic side. One surprise for me was how many Arsenal fans followed me. No other club’s fans have interacted as much as them.

“They always tell me – come to us!”

Another reason the 21-year-old could move to the Emirates is his relationship with Ukraine team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko. He swapped Manchester City for Arsenal in the summer and has gone on to become an important part of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey says Mudryk is ‘pushing’ for his Arsenal switch to go ahead, although Sporting Director Edu Gaspar still has to negotiate on a crucial section of the deal with Shakhtar.

“Mudryk is pushing for [his] Arsenal move and Arsenal are pushing for him – but there is an issue over the fee,” Bailey told TEAMtalk.

“Shakhtar Donetsk are demanding Jack Grealish (£100m) money, and for a player who has only played in Ukraine, that is a tough call – despite knowing how talented he is.

Arsenal must sign off ‘club-record deal’ to land winger

“Arsenal expect they can strike a deal, but they know they are likely to have to agree a club-record deal to get him.”

Arsenal are confident about getting the Mudryk signing over the line, ahead of his other potential suitors.

But Edu will have to have a few more meetings with Shakhtar officials before the two teams agree on a fee.

The stalemate comes after Shakhtar Director of Football Darijo Srna said the following: “Who wants to sign Mudryk has to pay big amount of money — otherwise our president will not sell him.

“Jack Grealish was sold for more than 100m and Mudryk’s level is not lower.”

Meanwhile, Premier League side Fulham are interested in snapping up an Arsenal outcast, according to reports.