Arsenal’s Mykhaylo Mudryk pursuit is now set to be challenged by fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea who are in the wings to hijack the Gunners’ deal. Mudryk seems Arsenal’s number one target for the January transfer window, as injury to star striker Gabriel Jesus has forced them to bring in attacking reinforcements. However, the north Londoners are yet to crack a deal for the talented winger with talks still going on with Shakhtar.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are ready to invade Arsenal’s languishing negotiations with Shakhtar to snatch away Mudryk from them. Arsenal and Shakhtar are yet to reach an agreement over the fee for the player, with the Ukrainian side valuing their asset at a stunning €100 million. However, Arsenal are not convinced by this evaluation of the winger by his current employers and are trying to negotiating a cheaper deal.
Chelsea ready to splash the cash for Mykhaylo Mudryk
On the contrary to Arsenal’s push for a cheaper deal, Chelsea are ready to right away match Mykhaylo Mudryk’s asking price of €100m. The Gunners had submitted a package of €60m for the 21-year-old, which included a fixed payment of €40m and another €20m in add-ons. However, Shakhtar rejected the bid out of hand and held out on their asking price.
But Arsenal have not given up yet as the winger himself raves about a move to the Emirates. Mudryk has now almost confirmed publicly that he wants a move to the north London club, by posting pictures of him watching their recent Premier League wins over West Ham and Brighton, on social media. It is no secret now that the Ukraine international has set his heart over a transfer to Arsenal.
However, his current employers rejecting the Gunners’ bid disappointed the winger, who has now done his bit by agreeing personal terms with the Premier League leaders. Arsenal have achieved first breakthrough in the deal by swiftly agreeing a five-year deal, worth around £120k-a-week with Mykhaylo Mudryk who by now is head over heels to join the Londoners before the end of the month.
Arsenal too have now launched a new, improved offer for the winger close to €70m, with €50m as fixed fee and €20m worth add-ons. According to multiple reports, the two sides have resumed talks after the Premier League side’s improved bid as there’s growing probability that an agreement could be reached soon.
Chelsea meanwhile are ready with their straightforward €100m offer which could be tabled in front of Shakhtar if a deal with Arsenal is not cracked for Mudryk. The Blues’ new owners are once again willing to spend big in order to help Graham Potter turn around the season at Stamford Bridge as the club currently languishes in the ninth place in the league.
The two-time Champions League winners know that the Shakhtar winger wants Arsenal first and are read to wait if a move doesn’t go through. Elsewhere, they are closer to completing the acquisition of Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez for a staggering €135m from Benfica. Chelsea, however, won’t end their business there as another €100m plus deal could be completed for Mykhaylo Mudryk if Arsenal fell short and the player green lights a move to West London instead.