Shakhtar Donetsk's director of football is set to travel to London to discuss Mykhaylo Mudryk's future with Arsenal and Chelsea.
Mudryk, 21, has established himself as of Europe's most exciting players after scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists for Shakhtar this season. He has been linked with Arsenal for several weeks, but the Gunners are yet to agree a transfer fee with the Ukrainian club.
It's believed Shakhtar have rejected offers of £55million and £62m from Arsenal, as they are holding out for around €100m (£88m). Chelsea are hoping that will allow them to hijack the transfer, but Mirror Football understands Mudryk only has eyes for Arsenal.
As reported by multiple outlets, Shakhtar's director of football, Darijo Srna, will arrive in London this week to discuss the transfer with Chelsea's recruitment team. It's thought he will watch the Blues' game against Manchester City on Thursday night.
Despite this, Arsenal remain in talks with Shakhtar and Mudryk would prefer a move to the Emirates. The winger has dropped several hints that he wants to play for the Gunners on social media and has described Mikel Arteta as a "top coach".
Arsenal are even thought to have agreed personal terms with Mudryk. As reported by The Times, the Ukraine international will sign a five-year deal at the Emirates if Arsenal agree a fee with Shakhtar's stubborn transfer chiefs.
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But Chelsea's pursuit must be taken seriously, as chair Todd Boehly appears to have written a blank cheque to help them sign as many top players as possible. According to The Independent, the Blues will try to trump any Arsenal offer for Mudryk.
Chelsea invested more than £250m in their squad last summer and have since assembled a huge recruitment team led by new technical director Christopher Vivell. They've already signed David Datro Fofana from Molde in this transfer window.
Chelsea's strong approach in the market is expected to accelerate this deal - one way or another. As reported by the Daily Mail, Shakhtar have rejected Arsenal's second offer of £62m. Offering any more would be a risk for player that's yet to make 100 club outings.
Yet Arsenal feel that's a risk worth taking with a Premier League title up for grabs. The Gunners are eight points clear of defending champions Manchester City in second having played a game more. Ironically, City's game in hand is against Chelsea.
A strong transfer window for Arsenal could be the difference between winning and losing a first title in 19 seasons. This could be their best chance to end their drought, as their rivals - including an emerging Newcastle team - could improve in the summer.
"Talks for Mudryk are on," Shakhtar's chief executive Sergei Palkin has admitted. "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."
