Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Two different sources explain exactly what went wrong for ‘aggravated’ Arsenal in Mykhaylo Mudryk bid

Mykhaylo Mudryk, Ukraine benefit match - Borussia Moenchengladbach vs. Ukrainische Nationalmannschaft 1-2, Stadion Borussia-Park

Arsenal were reportedly left ‘aggravated’ rather than angry over Chelsea hijacking their deal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk at the last minute.

The Gunners have been chasing the Ukraine international for weeks and were expected to complete a big-money deal for the highly-rated attacker before their London rivals pulled the rug from under them.

It was announced on Saturday evening that Graham Potter’s men have agreed a €100m (£88.5m) fee for the attacker, with the attacker completing his medical on Sunday ahead of an announcement.

Chelsea were willing to pay Shakhtar’s huge asking price, something Arsenal were not happy to do. And The Independent claims the Stamford Bridge outfit also told Mudryk they could double the salary the Gunners had offered.

Reporting on the deal for Mudryk, The Independent said: “Arsenal did not meet Shakhtar’s asking price and the Premier League leaders made it clear that they would not get into a bidding war with Chelsea.

“However, The Independent has been told of an aggravation at the club – which reflects a feeling within the Premier League – that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy ‘are getting involved in everything’.’

Romano dishes more dirt on Mudryk deal

And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has added more details on how Todd Boehly got one over on Arsenal.

He told his Caught Offside column: “Arsenal have missed out on Mykhaylo Mudryk – so, what went wrong?

“The player’s priority was Arsenal. Arsenal made a third bid on Thursday, but Chelsea’s bid on Saturday for big money and big wages for the player and this strong approach has seen them win the race.

“Arsenal could not guarantee €100m for Mudryk, but this was always Shakhtar’s position. Shakhtar made it clear to Mudryk that this was their position, and so they told him that if he doesn’t accept the move to Chelsea he will not be able to move.

“I think Arsenal have a very clear strategy. I’m told they don’t want to overpay or enter into crazy bidding wars. It was like that for Dusan Vlahovic, Raphinha, Lisandro Martinez… they did their best to sign Mudryk, a great bid; Chelsea decided to go really strong on it so Arsenal to respect their strategy and vision have decided to not change anything.

“I think if they’re first in Premier League and changed their situation in just one year, it’s also thanks to clear ideas and vision. Of course they lost a big target and a top player but they don’t panic. I don’t want to speculate on targets right now, but for sure they will explore the market and then I’ll let you know.”

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