Arsenal appear to be getting closer to a deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk and the Ukraine international is ‘obsessed’ with a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has informed GiveMeSport.
The Gunners have been courting the 22-year-old for months and things look like they may finally may draw to a close in the saga of the window.
The Daily Mail report that Arsenal are ‘close to an agreement’ with Shakhtar Donetsk to bring the Ukrainian star to the Emirates this window, in a transfer that could cost up to £80m to complete.
The Gunners’ are believed to be ready to pay more than £50 million of the fee upfront, with the rest in instalments, while personal terms are not expected to be an issue due to his desire to move to the Premier League.
Chelsea had also expressed significant interest in his services; however, Arsenal have always been the frontrunner for his signature and they are helped by the fact he is a boyhood fan of the club.
In recent weeks, the tricky winger has liked several social media posts linking him with a move to North London, sending fans wild over the possibility of him working with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
Transfer insider Romano has stated that Mudryk ‘wants’ to move to Arsenal, detailing that his ‘obsession’ with moving to the club has made the Gunners ‘confident’ they can tie up a deal.
Romano told GMS: “They’re finding a way to give Shakhtar what they want but also the player what he wants because Mudryk wants Arsenal.
“Mudryk is obsessed with an Arsenal move and this is why Arsenal are confident.”
Arsenal have been in fantastic form this season, though manager Arteta will know he needs more squad depth to turn their Premier League title dreams into reality.
Getting hold of Mudryk would not only grant the Gunners another attacking option for the remainder of the season, but it would also be a statement signing of an exciting young player who has the potential to be one of the best wingers on the continent.
Transfermarkt shows that the pacey wide-man has notched ten goals and eight assists from 18 matches in all competitions circa 2022/23, with three of his strikes and two of his assists coming in the Champions League group stage.
The Krasnohrad-born star is a frightening talent and was tipped by former boss Roberto De Zerbi to be a future Ballon d’Or winner, as cited by talkSPORT in a media interview last month, where the Italian said: “I know the value of Mudryk. He has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.”
De Zerbi’s comments are high praise indeed, though it shows the weight Mudryk’s name holds in elite footballing circles. Showing his quality regularly in the Premier League looks likely to be his next challenge, something that the Ukraine ace will relish if a move to the Gunners is officially ratified.
Freelance Journalist at GiveMeSport, covering Premier League football, transfer rumours and more. Have worked for multiple digital outlets, such as The Sporting News, The Transfer Tavern and 67 Hail Hail focusing on all things football.
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