Arsenal have reportedly been linked with a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk, with Shakhtar Donetsk demanding over €50 million for the Ukrainian attacker.
According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are keen on signing Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, and the Gunners have been asked to pay in excess of €50 million.
The 21-year-old has made quite a name for himself with his performances domestically and in European competitions. Mudryk has two goals and three assists from five appearances across all competitions, and his performances have caught Mikel Arteta’s eye.
It is no secret that Arsenal need to add more depth to their squad, and Mudryk seems like a quality long-term option for them. However, the left-sided winger plays a role similar to that of Gabriel Martinelli, and it will be interesting to see what happens to the Brazilian if the Gunners decide to spend over €50 million on Mudryk during the January transfer window.
Martinelli has done well for Arsenal so far this season, and he will be hoping to start regularly for the remainder of the campaign. Meanwhile, Mudryk is likely to demand assurances of regular football as well before opting to join the Gunners. It remains to be seen how Arteta handles the situation should the clubs manage to agree on a fee first.
Nothing has changed about Shakhtar Donetsk position on Mudryk: €30m Everton bid turned down, no bid from Arsenal [talks with his agents, strong interest but no proposal made]. ⭐️?? #transfers
Shakhtar remain on the same point: they want more than €50m for Mudryk ⤵️ https://t.co/g5dBDsA2yl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 21, 2022
Mudryk is versatile enough to operate as an attacking midfielder as well as a right-sided winger. His versatility will be an added bonus for Arsenal if they manage to sign him. The Ukrainian attacker has the potential to reach the very top and Arsenal could provide him with the platform he needs right now.
The north London giants have a squad stacked with young talent, and Mudryk will have the ideal environment around him for his optimal development. However, the reported €50 million asking price seems quite steep for a player who is relatively unproven at this level. And it seems highly unlikely that the Gunners will sanction that kind of an outlay on the winger, especially in January.
It seems that a compromise will have to be reached between the two parties in order for any transfer to go through. That said, the talented winger has a contract with the Ukrainian club until the summer of 2026, and they are under no pressure to sell him in the near future. They have already turned down a €30 million bid from Everton during the summer transfer window.
