Shakhtar Donetsk deputy director Carlo Nicolini has confirmed the interest from Arsenal and Manchester City in €100 million-rated Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Mykhaylo Mudryk continues to impress with Shakhtar Donetsk this season, and his value has only risen since the summer. Arsenal were keen on signing the Ukrainian winger in the latter stages of the window, only to baulk at Shakhtar’s reported asking price back in August.
The Gunners are reportedly continuing their chase ahead of the January transfer window. Reports from England suggest Mikel Arteta remains keen on Mudryk among other players needed to strengthen the squad to aid a probable title push.
Price of around €50 million were widely reported in the media during the summer. However, his value is much higher following an impressive start to the 2022/23 season. Newcastle United are also among the clubs interested, alongside Manchester City and Arsenal.
There were whispers of interest from Italian clubs, particularly Juventus. However, going by the comments made by Shakhtar Donetsk’s deputy director of football, Carlo Nicolini, on Calciomercato, the Serie A outfits can count themselves out.
The Shakhtar executive suggested it may take around €100 million to convince them to sell Mudryk. He also confirmed Arsenal and Manchester City’s interest in the Ukrainian winger.
Nicolini said, “The headlights are on him, but I say that the Italians always come later. Now, it is easy to observe, but it was possible to do it before. The Italians bring low proposals; we don’t even sit down to negotiate.”
“There are many English candidates, there is the Spanish on duty, the French on duty, but now it takes the right amount to take him away. Together with Mbappe, Leao and Vinicius, Mudryk is the strongest player in that role.”
“Is €40 million enough to buy it? We do not speak to these figures. Not even for fifty, we don’t call the president to make the offer. We value Mudryk more than Manchester United’s Antony, who paid €100 million. Floating between Arsenal and Manchester City? They are two teams that have taken an interest in the player.”
But other clubs can spend right away. We are not obliged to sell; we do not want to make phenomena. We don’t want to shoot figures that aren’t realistic. But in this team, he is the most decisive. If you want to take on certain players who make a difference in the top clubs, you also need the right money.”
The reference to Antony’s transfer to Manchester United could be taken as a cue over Shakhtar’s insistence on getting top value for their prized asset. Surely Arsenal or Manchester City will not agree to pay €100 million and may look to negotiate the price down if they are serious about an interest.
For now, Mudryk remains at Shakhtar Donetsk, and if he continues with his impressive performances, there will be no questioning the Ukrainian club and their valuations of the player.
