Arsenal have reportedly held talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk, a target for Newcastle United.
According to a report from 90min, Arsenal have opened talks with Shakhtar Donetsk regarding Mykhaylo Mudryk. And they are thought to be the front-runners in the chase for the the 21-year-old winger, a target for Newcastle United.
Newcastle United are thought to be keen on securing his services as well. But Arsenal have an edge in the race after initiating the discussions. Furthermore, the Gunners are a much bigger club compared to the Magpies, despite the Tyneside outfit’s recent takeover. In addition, the player is keen on joining the Londoners.
Newcastle Unitedneed to add some attacking depth to the side in January, and it will be interesting to see who they decide to bring in. Mudryk has caught the attention of the top European clubs with his performances for Shakhtar Donetsk in the domestic football and in the UEFA Champions League.
The 21-year-old has ten goals and eight assists across all competitions, and he could prove to be a superb long-term addition to Arsenal. The Gunners need to add more quality and depth to their attack, especially after the injury to Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian striker picked up an injury during the World Cup and is set to be sidelined for a few months.
Although Mudryk is a winger, he could come in as a replacement and beef up Arteta’s attacking options. The Arsenal manager has been overly reliant on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as his preferred wide attackers. He will need to find alternatives for both players to rotate the squad and keep them fresh for the big matches.
Mudryk can operate on either flank and he will add some much-needed depth to the Arsenal attack. His arrival will also allow players like Martinelli to fill in as the centre forward in Jesus’s absence. The winger is reportedly valued at €100 million, and it will be interesting to see if the Gunners are prepared to break their transfer record to sign the player.
Shakhtar Donetsk have maintained that Jack Grealish cost Manchester City €100 million and that Mudryk is a player of a similar level. So he is unlikely to cost any less. Meanwhile, Arsenal will be hoping to negotiate a more reasonable fee for the winger.
“Whoever wants to sign Mudryk has to pay a big amount of money otherwise our president will not sell him,” Donetsk director of football Darijo Srna said over the weekend, before continuing, “Jack Grealish was sold for more than €100 million and Mudryk’s level is not lower.”
The Gunners are currently involved in a title challenge and are at the top of the Premier League table. Bringing in the right additions in January will certainly help Arsenal beat the likes of Manchester City to the title this season. As for Newcastle United, it will be interesting to see who they pursue to beef up their offensive unit.
