Arsenal see £57million attacker bid shot down, but ‘expectation’ means Gunners are on the right track
Arsenal have reportedly had their opening offer of £57million for Mykhaylo Mudryk rejected, with Shakhtar Donetsk looking for a higher fee.
It has been the worst kept secret in football that Arsenal would go after Mudryk at some point. The Gunners have been linked with the Ukrainian forward since August.
There are other big sides that have kept their eye on Mudryk. Newcastle United have looked as if they will be one of Arsenal’s main rivals in the pursuit of the forward.
However, the Gunners have dominated that pursuit, and it was only a matter of time until they went for him.
The reasons for Mikel Arteta’s side wanting Mudryk are clear as day. In 12 Premier Liga games for Shakhtar so far this season, he has scored seven times and assisted a further six goals.
He has been in a similar vein of form in the Champions League. In six games in Europe’s elite competition this term, Mudryk has scored three times and assisted twice.
His own ambitions have also meant that Arsenal’s pursuit was likely to come.
Indeed, he has made it no secret that he would be keen on playing at the Emirates. The Ukrainian has shown himself watching Arsenal in social media posts, almost as a plea to come and get him.
What’s more, his Ukraine teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko reportedly gave a ‘glowing reference’ of his compatriot to the powers at the club.
Gunners Mudryk bid shot down
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal put the wheels in motion for the snare of Mudryk. Indeed, they are reported to have launched a bid for the Shakhtar man.
That is reinforced by the Daily Mail, who state Arsenal offered £57million for the forward.
However, that report also states the bid has been turned down by Shakhtar.
It seems the Ukrainian club are holding out for a higher fee. The report suggests they want to receive as much as £85million in order to see Mudryk leave.
Arsenal push could bear fruit
Arsenal will no doubt continue to push. They are seemingly very keen on the forward, and will not stop after just one attempt at snaring him.
Their attempts to push could end up bearing fruit, too. Indeed, the report states there is an ‘expectation’ that a deal ‘could be reached’ next month.
How much Arsenal will need to pay to land the star remains to be seen. Given their first bid was way under Shakhtar’s valuation, it is unlikely they would hike it up too much.
However, if that is what’s needed in order to complete the signing, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility.
All will almost certainly become clearer by the end of the January window.
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