Arsenal fans have been left sweating after Shakhtar Donetsk director Darijo Srna was pictured with former Gunners Willian and Eduardo Silva at a restaurant.
Srna is currently in London as speculation continues to ramp up over Mykhaylo Mudryk: the Ukrainian winger being pursued by both Arsenal and Chelsea this month. The Gunners have already tabled two offers for the highly-rated 22-year-old, however, Chelsea are waiting in the wings and ready to hijack a move for the Ukraine international, who has been identified as Mikel Arteta's top transfer target.
Srna is expected to speak to both clubs this week as all parties seek a speedy resolution to the transfer triangle - but the sight of the Shakhtar chief with a pair of former Arsenal players has left some fans concerned.
A picture of the trio, who appeared to be out for dinner, began circulating online on Thursday evening, leaving some Arsenal fans on social media convinced that the duo would be negative towards the club following their own experiences in north London.
One fan quipped: "I'm sure Willian is telling them how nice Arsenal fans are," while another tweeted: "Willian still being a p**** to Arsenal. Helping Shaktar and Chelski here. Worse signing in our history."
But considering Srna played alongside both Willian and Eduardo for Shakhtar during his playing days, it is more likely that the trio were just catching up.
Is it believed that Shakhtar officials, including Srna, are due to attend Chelsea's Premier League match against Manchester City on Thursday evening as speculation continues to mount over the Blues' interest in Mudryk.
Join the debate! Who do you think will win the race for Mudryk: Arsenal or Chelsea? Let us know here.
Mirror Football revealed on Wednesday that Arsenal had tabled a second offer for Mudryk, but Chelsea have also now opened a dialogue over the coveted forward, who is expected to leave Shakhtar this month.
Mudryk has plundered 11 goals in 19 outings for the Ukrainian giants this term including three strikes in the Champions League. It is believed that the youngster would favour a switch to Arsenal, who are currently eight points clear at the summit of the Premier League.
Despite the fact that Mudryk is Arteta's No.1 transfer target, the Gunners have so far been reluctant to meet the £85million price tag that Shakhtar have placed on their prized asset.
Earlier on Thursday, Shakhtar director Carlo Nicolini explained that their valuation of Mudryk is based off the £85m fee that Manchester United stumped up to prise Antony away from Ajax back in the summer.
"Given that we have no need for transfers, we said in due time that we evaluate the player stronger than some other profiles, such as Antony. This is the benchmark," Nicolini told CalcioNapoli24.
"The problem is that Italian clubs don’t take advantage of opportunities, like Milan with Enzo Fernandez, who is now worth over 100 million. When you arrive in time on a player you have to sink the shot, otherwise the prices change."
