Chelsea have confirmed they are on the verge of signing Mykhaylo Mudryk and are telling their fans to follow him on social media already... with Shakhtar Donetsk's blessing.
The Ukraine international, 22, was tipped to join Arsenal this month and had flirted extensively with the Gunners on social media. But Chelsea have hijacked the transfer. It's believed the Blues have agreed a £97million deal with Shakhtar for the talented youngster, who is set to sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Confirmation of the transfer is expected to be announced imminently and a club statement said: "Chelsea are discussing terms with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of Mykhaylo Mudryk. Should a deal be agreed between the two clubs then the Ukrainian international, who can operate as a winger or a forward, will discuss personal terms with the Blues ahead of a permanent transfer."
Shakhtar have also released a statement. They said: "FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali discussed Mykhailo Mudryk’s transfer to Chelsea FC today. Parties are very close to agree on player’s transfer to the club."
Interestingly, Chelsea's social media team are urging their supporters to "show" Mudryk some "love" and have even added the winger's handle to their Instagram bio.
Shakhtar have been locked in transfer talks with both Chelsea and Arsenal for several days over Mudryk's future. The Gunners have had two transfer bids rejected by the Ukrainian giants, who were holding out for a fee of around £88m. Arsenal didn't get close to that mark.
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Mudryk dropped several hints on Instagram that he wanted to join Arsenal by liking posts suggesting a transfer was on the cards and posing in a Gunners shirt. He even described Mikel Arteta as a "top coach".
Despite Mudryk's desire to join Arsenal, there was always a chance Chelsea could swoop in due to Shakhtar's price tag and their admiration for the player. The Blues have shown a willingness to splash the cash since Todd Boehly's consortium completed a takeover of the club last summer.
Chelsea have been the biggest spenders in Europe since that takeover and will break the bank again to sign Mudryk. They will pay Shakhtar £62m up front, with a further £35 due in add-ons. The player has also agreed personal terms.
Although Chelsea and Shakhtar claim talks are ongoing, their social media activity would suggest otherwise. Chelsea posted a picture on Mudryk on their official Instagram account with the caption: "Drop Mudryk a message to show some love!"
Shakhtar replied to the post with an orange love heart - the Ukrainian side play in an orange and black kit. Chelsea have also posted a picture of Mudryk to their Instagram story with the caption: "Time to drop him [Mudryk] a follow."
Mudryk, meanwhile, is yet to break his silence on his proposed move to Stamford Bridge. Unlike Shakhtar, Mudryk has not responded to any of Chelsea's posts on social media.
