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Arsenal have reportedly made first contact with Shakhtar Donetsk’s forward Mykhaylo Mudryk ahead of a possible transfer move.
THE LOWDOWN: IDENTIFIED EARLIER
Mudryk’s stock has continued to rise in Eastern Europe and Shakhtar Donetsk consider him to be the next big thing.
The 21-year-old made his breakthrough last season as he scored twice and made nine assists in 26 appearances. In addition, he made five appearances for the national team during that time.
It is no surprise that he is called ‘Ukrainian Messi’ and Arsenal could have gone for him in the summer after the exit of Nicolas Pepe. However, the North London club did not push through with the deal but it is believed the Gunners are ready now after monitoring the winger’s impact this term in the UEFA Champions League and the top flight in Ukraine.
THE LATEST: FIRST CONTACT
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have held ‘positive talks’ with Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The club enquired about the Ukrainian’s availability in the summer but decided not to bring him to the Emirates due, in part, to his £45m price tag. Now, the Italian journalist has now delivered an update claiming the 21-year-old could move to North London within the next few months.
“We know they [Arsenal] wanted a winger. Raphinha was the dream, but it was not possible to proceed,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
“They have had very positive contacts on Mudryk on the player’s side, but then they decided not to proceed with Shakhtar because they wanted more than £40m to £45m.”
Mikel Arteta is interested in getting another winger win after falling with Raphinha from Leeds and Wolves’ Pedro Neto this summer.
In a related update, it seems Shakhtar now want more money for their promising young talent and according to the reporter, may ask for more than £60m for him.
“Now Shakhtar want more than £60m to £65m,’ Romano continued. ‘But Arsenal are still following the player.”
“They consider Mudryk a top talent and so Arsenal are still there but let’s see because now the race is open with many top clubs, but Arsenal will be busy in the next few weeks.”
Previously, Mudryk confessed his love for the Premier League and Arsenal’s style of play under Mikel Arteta.
He said: “I think every guy dreams about the Premier League. It’s hard to say [who his preferred move is] but Arsenal is a very good team, very good coach, I like the way they play.”
Mudryk has seven goals in 14 appearances this season for Shakhtar, which includes three goals in the Champions League.
THE VERDICT: DIFFICULT SITUATION
It is a good thing to see Arsenal begin plans for the winter and next summer this early.
Mudryk’s price was never going to stay that way after his exploits in the UEFA Champions League. This is a tight situation for Arsenal because why should the club spend at least £60m when he is simply coming to be a backup option on the wings?
Reiss Nelson has not played much under Mikel Arteta and did remind everyone of his abilities in the rout of Nottingham Forest last season. Given his return to fitness, Arsenal can consider him or other less expensive options.
