One of the motives fuelling Chelsea's desire to complete the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk has been revealed - and it's clever, forward-thinking planning. The 22-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal at the start of month but the Blues appear to have swooped in and snatched the winger from their rival's grasp.
Talks between the Gunners and Shakhtar Donetsk were thought to have been progressing well, with Mikel Arteta's side tabling an initial bid in the region of £55million in late December, football.london understands. Since then, Arsenal have remained in contact with the Ukrainian side and, as recently as Friday, there was confidence that they were wrapping up a deal.
Then, on Saturday, Chelsea submitted a bid of their own which is thought to be around £88million, including add-ons; Shakhtar's long-standing asking price. It's believed that the Gunners are not willing to be dragged into a bidding war and are unlikely to match their London rival's offer.
