Liverpool and Everton appear to have been dealt a potential blow in their reported pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Both the Reds and the Blues have been linked with the Ukraine international over the last few months. Mudryk has impressed for Shakhtar both domestically and in the Champions League.
The 21-year-old has scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 16 appearances so far this term. It’s that form which has seen links to the likes of Liverpool and Everton, as well as Arsenal and Real Madrid continue to surface.
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In September, Shakhtar sporting director Darijo Srna claimed that the Ukrainian outfit rejected a €30m offer from Everton in the summer. However, the links with Liverpool have not been as strong, with mere tentative reports emerging so far.
Amid rumours around his future, Mudryk has spoken about what his next move could look like. The 21-year-old has hinted that he would prefer to move to Arsenal, as opposed to either Everton or Liverpool.
“From a purely theoretical / fantasy perspective if there was the option of being a bench player for Real Madrid or a starter for Arsenal, I’d probably choose Arsenal,” Mudryk told Vlada Sedan .
“It’s a tough question and involves a lot of factors in my answer. I would first want to know from the head coach that even if I wasn’t a guaranteed starter, that I’d receive a chance.
“Essentially I need to hear directly from the manager what he envisages my role to be in his side.”
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