Mykhaylo Mudryk is already an Arsenal player. That is according to his Shakhtar Donetsk teammates anyway.
The forward was heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window, but a deal could not be done between the Gunners and the Ukrainian outfit. But Arsenal supporters may not have to wait too long to see the frontman in the red of the Gunners in north London.
Mudryk has seven goals in 14 appearances for Donetsk, with three of those coming in the Champions League. And his proposed transfer to Arsenal has become a long-running joke in the Shakhtar Donetsk changing room, goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin has revealed.
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Trubin has insisted the rumours of Mudryk moving to north London have had a positive impact on the forward, with the Shakhtar squad constantly teasing him about the Gunners. He told Football24, via talkSPORT: “I like that he is focused only on himself, his and the team’s game.
"Fans don’t really see that much. No-one sees what he is doing away from the football field. All these transfer rumours affect him only in a positive way, because he enjoys what he does. And, in the team, we can tell him, ‘well, you’re already at Arsenal, let’s all go!’"
Although it's likely just banter amongst teammates, it appears as though the youngster is in fact very open to a move to Arsenal, who would need more depth in their wide areas. Speaking to CBS Sports back in September, he said: "I think every guy dreams about the Premier League. It's hard to say [who his preferred move is], but Arsenal is a very good team, very good coach, I like the way they play."
When asked if he would make a move to the Emirates Stadium, he said: "From my side, I can't say no [to Arsenal]. But the transfer is not only my decision."
Whether Arsenal are interested in conjuring up a huge amount of money for the talented star remains to be seen, with Shakhtar valuing him at more than £85million currently. Carlo Nicolini revealed last month: “Is €40million enough to buy him? We do not answer to these figures. Not even for 50. We value Mudryk more than Manchester United's Antony, who cost €100million (£85million).”
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