Since Chelsea appears to be edging over Arsenal in the competition to recruit Mykhaylo Mudryk, Arsenal is in severe risk of losing out on the Ukrainian star.
The Shakhtar forward is in high demand ahead of the January transfer window as a result of an outstanding campaign thus far. This season, the 21-year-old has contributed to 18 goals in as many games, demonstrating his immense potential. Five of those came from six appearances in the Champions League, demonstrating Mudryk’s ability to compete at the greatest level.
But his suitors are unlikely to have an easy time getting his signature. Shakhtar frequently makes the argument that their player is superior by referencing the £85 million cost Manchester United paid for Antony.
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Arsenal appears to be in the lead in that pursuit. The Gunners, who have been following Mudryk since last summer, know that he wants to sign with them.
Despite Shakhtar’s asking price, Arsenal has submitted an initial approach to sign Mudryk this week. Although their initial £57 million gambit was rejected, there is still hope that Arsenal will be able to complete the transaction.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, that conviction has gradually faded in recent days. Although Arsenal was optimistic that a deal might be reached, it has recently come to light that Shakhtar is maintaining their original £85 million asking price.
Currently, it appears that Mikel Arteta’s hope of signing Mudryk is diminishing quickly. This is in light of a report in The Guardian alleging that Chelsea is attempting to sabotage the deal.
Todd Boehly, their co-owner, is said to be a huge Mudryk fan and is apparently prepared to pay Shakhtar’s asking price.
Getting ready for the loss of Mykhaylo Mudryk
The discovery of Chelsea’s interest will be devastating to Arsenal.
A wide forward is Arteta’s first objective as the Gunners search for more firepower. Despite being in fantastic form this season, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka do not have good cover.
And Arteta wants an additional frontman to expand his options since Gabriel Jesus has a knee problem and will be sidelined for three months or more.
A transaction for Mudryk was considered the ideal situation in light of this. The only senior center forward who is currently healthy is Eddie Nketiah. Martinelli or Mudryk, however, are both capable of filling in there.
Nevertheless, an agreement to send Mudryk to Stamford Bridge would thwart that strategy.
It would be difficult for Chelsea to let their top target go to their London rivals because they do have larger funds than Arsenal.
In the summer, the Blues spent almost £280 million as Boehly tried to establish himself at Chelsea. There are, however, few indications that spending is slowing down. In fact, a summertime agreement for Christopher Nkunku is already in place.