Arsenal
Premier League • England
Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk continues to drop transfer hints as he makes big Cristiano Ronaldo claim
Arsenal remain on the trail of Mykhaylo Mudryk despite seeing their very own Kieran Tierney marshall him superbly recently but amid ongoing suggestions from the player that he remains Premier League bound.
The Shkahtar Donestk star finds himself a man in demand after a series of eye-catching displays. Making an impact in the Champions League, Mudryk has two goals and two assists in just two games in the competition this season. As such, several Premier League clubs had scouts in the stands at Hampden Park last week as Ukraine took on Scotland.
Mudryk was unable to stamp his authority on proceedings that night owing to an excellent display from Steve Clarke’s side. Tierney, in particluar, was excellent in dealing with all the 21-year-old could offer.
But Mudryk’s reputation continues to grow. And according to Shakhtar director Darijo Srna, his player should now be considered the third best winger in Europe.
During an interview with CBS Sports, Srna claimed: “Mudryk is a serious talent. After Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, he’s the best player in Europe in his position.
“If someone wants to buy Mudryk they must spend a lot, a lot, a lot of money. They must respect our club and our president.”
Srna’s warning comes after Arsenal reportedly saw a £25m summer offer for Mudryk fail. However, the Gunners remain on his trail and will be buoyed by Mudryk’s recent admission that a move to the Gunners is in his thinking.
“I think every guy dreams about the Premier League,” he told CBS.
When pushed if there was any one “dream” club in particular he’d like to play for, such as Real Madrid or Arsenal, Mudryk continued: “Yes yes, it’s hard to say but Arsenal is a very good team. Very good coach, I like the way they play.”
Mykhaylo Mudryk names Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol
It remains unclear if the Gunners will launch a fresh approach for his services in January. And while his arrival would be most welcome, there remains the feeling that any Arsenal signing in the winter window will come in strengthening their midfield.
Mudryk, though, continues to flirt with the Premier League and had no hesitation in naming Cristiano Ronaldo as his idol.
Suggesting he models his game on the veteran Manchester United star, he hints he can also see him moving to a central striker’s role from the wing later in his career.
“It’s more comfortable for me when I play on the line where I can show all my potential one against one. I have more space to move to the front and I can create a lot more chances when I play on the line,” he told The Times.
“There are more people in the middle. But, you know, the middle is also OK for me. My inspiration is Cristiano Ronaldo because of what you can do if you work hard and believe in yourself.
“I like the way Cristiano plays. I see myself like that – a winger. But I need more time to change my position from 11 or 7 to 9. With time it is possible.”
Winger price tag may dissuade Arsenal for now
Whether Arsenal move in January remains to be seen. Furthermore, much will depend on whether Shakhtar remain in the Champions League come the knockout stages.
All the same, Shakhtar will demand a huge price for the prized asset. In that regards, Fabrizio Romano has suggested what sort of fee it would take to prise Mudryk from the Ukrainian outfit.
That said, the winger would adhere perfectly well with the young, hungry and talented squad Arteta is assembling at Arsenal. His ability to play across the frontline would fit in perfectly alongside equally-adaptable Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal, though, will be aware about the dangers of over-spending on wingers. Nicolas Pepe, for example, remains the club’s record signing, and, despite a good record in France, struggled to have anywhere near the same impact at Arsenal.
That said, Arsenal will continue to do their research on the player with their scouts keeping a close watch on him ahead of January.
While he was something of an unknown back in the summer, Mykhaylo Mudryk is now a very prominent name and competition, therefore, is likely to be tough.