Arsenal lodge ‘improved offer’ for Mykhaylo Mudryk, as Fabrizio Romano delivers telling update on Chelsea hijack
Arsenal have tabled an improved bid to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, and Fabrizio Romano has detailed where Chelsea stand amid concerns Todd Boehly could hijack the move.
The Gunners are pushing for their first Premier League title since the Invincible season in 2003/04. Arsenal hold an impressive seven-point lead over reigning champions Man City, though the nature of their January business suggests they’re not prepared to rest on their laurels.
A move for Ukraine stand-out Mudryk was touted long before Gabriel Jesus’ injury. The 21-year-old operates primarily on the flanks and has been in sparkling form for Shakhtar this season, particularly in the Champions League.
Arsenal tabled an opening bid worth a total of around £57m last week. Shakhtar knocked the proposal back, though the story was never likely to end there.
Indeed, varying outlets over the last 24 hours reported Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the player and further bids were always likely to follow.
The editor of SportArena, Yehor Danylov, tweeted on Monday afternoon Arsenal had ‘made an improved offer’ for Mudryk.
Those questioning the validity of Danylov’s claims should know Fabrizio Romano subsequently gave credit to Danylov in a follow-up update, including stressing the new bid has indeed been tabled.
Danylov added Shakhtar are ‘considering whether to accept or continue negotiations’ after receiving the bid, though stopped short of stating the figure.
However, CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs recently reported a bid of €55m plus €15m in add-ons (approx. £62m in total) would be enough to make Shakhtar sing.
Given that figure is only £5m more than Arsenal’s opening gambit, common sense would dictate Arsenal have now met – or at least come very close to – Shakhtar’s true valuation.
Danylov also reported Shakhtar are due to fly to Turkey later this week ahead of a pre-planned training camp. He noted that even if Mudryk joins his current teammates in Turkey, his presence there won’t prevent a move to Arsenal going through.
Romano delivers Chelsea update
The Guardian recently reported Chelsea are a genuine contender to hijack Arsenal’s deal for Mudryk.
Todd Boehly is seeking greater firepower with their lack of goals again costing Chelsea points in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Romano reported Chelsea are a credible threat to hijack Arsenal’s deal, though only if a move to the Emirates breaks down first. In other words, it’s Arsenal’s deal to make or break.
Furthermore, the transfer guru added Mudryk’s priority has and continues to be joining Arsenal.
The Ukrainian has made no secret of his affinity for joining the Gunners and given an improved bid has been lodged, he may soon get his wish.
