Mykhaylo Mudryk: Shakhtar CEO rates chances of Arsenal target making January move after confirming contact
Arsenal have learned how likely it is that their target Mykhaylo Mudryk will be on the move in January after the CEO of Shakhtar Donetsk provided a key update.
Mudryk is one of Arsenal’s top targets heading into the new year. His form for Shakhtar Donetsk, including in the Champions League, has increased his profile. Now, the 21-year-old could earn a big transfer to the Premier League.
A number of clubs would like to add Mudryk to their squads. Arsenal’s interest stretches back further than most, though. What’s more, their need is particularly evident after an injury to their own striker, Gabriel Jesus.
Fabrizio Romano has recently confirmed that Arsenal are in contact with those close to Mudryk. If they can sign him, they could either utilise him as Jesus’ direct replacement, or put him in his preferred role on the left wing and move Gabriel Martinelli to a central position.
First of all, though, they must convince Shakhtar to sell. It might not be easy, since he is under contract there until December 2026.
The Ukrainian giants have been standing firm over Mudryk’s valuation. One of their directors has recently hinted that he ought to be worth as much as Manchester City’s £100million man, Jack Grealish.
There is a confidence growing, though, that Mudryk might be available for less than that extortionate sum. In that case, Arsenal will want to benefit, but they face competition from the likes of Man City themselves and Newcastle.
Now, another Shakhtar official has provided the latest in terms of Mudryk’s future. Their CEO, Sergei Palkin, claims there is a 50-50 chance that they could receive an acceptable bid for Mudryk next month.
Mykhaylo Mudryk suitors ‘not so far’ from Shakhtar demands
In an interview with The Athletic, Palkin was asked whether or not Shakhtar will cash in on Mudryk in January.
He replied: “To be honest, I do not know. At the moment, we are quite far from what we want and what clubs propose. It’s not so far but it is not what we need.
“We have discussions. One club, another club, they negotiate. We are in the process.
“Will it close this month? I don’t know. It is maybe 50-50 with regards to the winter transfer window.
“I don’t want to talk about figures now. We are in discussions. We have interest from some English clubs and we are in the process.”
The Shakhtar chief was then pressed specifically about Arsenal, Man City and Newcastle.
He responded: “Every day, I read about another English club. If you believe the newspapers, it is all of (the English clubs).
“But to be honest, it is true as I have had contact from many clubs. A lot of them are involved in this process.”
Mudryk has scored 10 goals in 18 games for Shakhtar this season. His time with them might be approaching its end if he keeps up his current form. Indeed, bigger things could be on the horizon.
It is still up to his suitors to put together offers that would convince his current club to sell, though. Their window of opportunity is coming up, so it will be interesting to see what happens in January.
