Mykhaylo Mudryk Arsenal transfer: Mikel Arteta influence on move emerges, as insider claims signing ‘will happen’
The transfer of Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal is highly likely to happen, according to one journalist, with the insider also revealing the small role Mikel Arteta has played in the move.
Arsenal have reportedly had two bids rejected for Mudryk in recent weeks. This set up the possibility of the winger going to Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea instead. And as per The Guardian, Chelsea are considering making a huge bid to tempt Shakhtar Donetsk into dealing with them.
It would be worth an initial £60million, plus £20m in potential add-ons. This would finally get close to Shakhtar’s massive £88m asking price.
However, this Chelsea offer is yet to arrive. And despite a couple of rejections, confidence is now growing at Arsenal that they can finally get Mudryk’s move to the Emirates over the line.
On Tuesday, a big update on Mudryk’s future emerged from Ukrainian source Sport Arena, who have regularly broken news on the prospective transfer.
They claim Arsenal have managed a breakthrough in talks with Shakhtar. This is because the two teams have finally agreed on a fee, although the exact sum is not detailed by the report.
However, one stumbling block remains for Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar. He must negotiate with Shakhtar over how much of the sum is paid initially, and how much will be made up through bonuses.
Shakhtar have proven themselves to be hard negotiators as they want as much money as possible to be paid up front. This means the final hurdle will not be easy for Edu to clear.
Arsenal breeze past Chelsea in Mykhaylo Mudryk hunt
Having said that, Arsenal appear to have moved way past Chelsea in the chase for Mudryk and are now closing in on his signature.
talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has now given his information on the discussions. He is confident the deal will reach completion, saying: “I think that will happen.
“Negotiations are still going on, I know that Chelsea’s name keeps being bandied around, but he wants to join Arsenal.”
Crook added that Arsenal boss Arteta is ‘very keen’ to sign Mudryk. As a result of this, the coach will have definitely been pushing Edu to try and get him in as soon as possible.
Crook ended his analysis of the situation by saying: “I think the two clubs are getting closer.”
It has been a long time coming. But it looks like Arsenal are finally close to landing their top target for January.
Shakhtar have troubled them at every turn, as they do not want to sell Mudryk on the cheap. Arsenal have pointed to the fact Shakhtar were considering bids of just €45m last summer. The Ukrainian side, though, say his value has skyrocketed since then.
Mudryk is an exciting player, and his record shows this. He has managed 10 goals and eight assists in 18 matches this campaign. And Shakhtar believe him to be the third best left winger in Europe, behind only Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Arteta could develop Mudryk into a world-class star. Although, he will need to get into the Arsenal starting eleven ahead of Gabriel Martinelli first.
Meanwhile, an important Arsenal midfielder is set to receive a bumper contract offer, according to reports.
