Mykhaylo Mudryk reportedly has his heart set on signing for Arsenal, despite interest from Chelsea.
The 21-year-old Ukrainian winger is Mikel Arteta 's top target for the January transfer window, with the Gunners recently submitting a second bid after seeing their first offer worth £55million turned down. But London rivals Chelsea also admire Mudryk, who emerged as one of Europe's most exciting young players earlier this season thanks to his electric performances in the Champions League.
As Arsenal hold further talks with Shakhtar Donetsk, the Blues are plotting to hijack the deal. It's claimed that Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly is prepared to gazump the Gunners and better their fresh bid with an improved offer closer to Shakhtar's £85m asking price.
Stamford Bridge chiefs will reportedly stump up an initial £60m, with up to £20m in add-ons. But that doesn't guarantee Mudryk's signature, especially given he's said to have already told his close circle that he expects to join Arsenal before the window slams shut on January 31.
According to the Daily Mail, the Ukraine international informed friends while on holiday in Dubai that he expects to sign a five-year deal at the Emirates, one which has already been drawn up. Before he turns 22 on January 5, Mudryk is understood to have personal terms with the Gunners and hopes to seal a move to north London shortly.
The wonderkid definitely wants to play in the Premier League and has dropped various hints of his desire to join Arsenal in particular. Whether it be cryptic Instagram posts referencing the Gunners or labelling boss Arteta a 'top coach', Mudryk's intentions are crystal clear after admitting that he "can't say no" to Arsenal.
Have your say! Which club should Mudryk join - Arsenal or Chelsea? Give us your pick in the comments section.
"I think every guy dreams about the Premier League," the in-demand forward revealed to CBS Sports. "Arsenal is a very good team with a very good coach. I like the way they play. Yes, it would be hard to say no from my side, I can't say no but the transfer is not only my decision and my word."
Nevertheless, Shakhtar will have the final say on their prize asset's future and chief executive Serhiy Palkin revealed before New Year's Eve that he's in direct talks with Gunners officials to thrash out a lucrative sale. "Talks for Mudryk are on," CEO Palkin declared.
"We receive offers but not the ones we would like to see on our table. I'll speak again to Arsenal. So, yes, we are open to discussing fees and ideas. If we will agree, then let it be so. If we will not, then let it be another time. Now, literally in five minutes, I will have a new phone call conversation with Arsenal for the Mykhaylo Mudryk deal."
