Arsenal have made a second bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk as they look to tempt Shakhtar Donetsk into selling their wunderkind this January in a bid to help push Mikel Arteta’s side to their first Premier League title since 2004.
The Gunners have made no secret of their admiration for the 21-year-old, who has also publicly expressed his desire to move to north London this January on several occasions, but the fee has proved problematic.
Carlo Nicolini, the Ukranian club’s deputy Sporting Director, explained that “Together with Kylian Mbappe, Rafa Leao and Vinicius Jr, Mudryk is the strongest player in his role.”
“Is £35m enough to buy him? We don’t speak for these figures, not even for £45m, we don’t even call the president to make the offer.
“We value Mudryk more than United’s Antony – £85m. Floating between Arsenal and Man City? They are two teams that have taken an interest in the player.
UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS – JULY 30: Mykhaylo Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk during the Friendly match between FC Utrecht and Shakhtar Donetsk at De Galgenwaard on July 30, 2022 in Utrecht, Netherlands (Photo by Joris Verwijst/Orange Pictures) 2JK41TG UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS – JULY 30: Mykhaylo Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk during the Friendly match between FC Utrecht and Shakhtar Donetsk at De Galgenwaard on July 30, 2022 in Utrecht, Netherlands (Photo by Joris Verwijst/Orange Pictures) (Alamy Stock Photo)
And, after having had one bid turned down already, Arsenal have now returned with a second offer that would make him Ukraine’s record sale, overtaking both Fernandinho and Fred should add-ons be realised.
As per CBS, the entire package of the deal remains under 70m euros, meaning that he will not become Arsenal’s record signing (a title still held by on loan winger Nicolas Pepe), though they add that Shakhtar are keen to see the up front offer rise to closer to 55m euros before agreeing any deal.
However, the sides appear close in their valuation of the player, and with personal terms not set to be an issue, Mudryk could be making an appearance in red and white sooner rather than later.