Arsenal have ‘agreed a fee’ to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk ahead of their Premier League rivals Chelsea, according to reports.
The Gunners have acted fast to sign Mudryk as he was identified as their priority January target ahead of the winter transfer window.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant breakout season this term, with his performances in the Champions League catching the eye.
Mudryk grabbed three goals and two assists in the Champions League group stages and his form on the grandest stage has rocketed his valuation in the eyes of Shakhtar Donetsk.
He was available for just €30m in the summer but the Ukrainian outfit have recently stated publicly that they want €100m for their prized asset.
Arsenal have had a couple of bids rejected for Mudryk but they have remained in constant discussion with Shakhtar over a transfer.
The Londoners have seemingly been helped by Mudryk as the player has consistently stated over the past couple of months that he wants to join them next.
Chelsea have joined Arsenal in targeting Mudryk in recent weeks but the Gunners appear set to win the race to sign the in-form attacker.
Journalist Rudy Galetti is reporting that Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk have come to an ‘agreement on the overall amount of the transfer’. This is said to be €85-90m.
Talks between the two clubs are now reportedly ‘entering the final stage’ and the structure of the payments from Arsenal are now being ‘discussed’.
It is added that the ‘next few days will be decisive for this step’ but it certainly does appear that Arsenal are close to getting their man.
Vyacheslav Groznyi previously managed several clubs in Ukraine and he thinks Mudryk “will play right away” for Arsenal.
He has also rubbished comparisons to Man Utd star Antony as Mudryk is “not yet a known footballer”.
“What can be said here? Mudryk wants to go to Arsenal, and Arteta wants to create a Ukrainian connection Mudryk-Zinchenko on the left flank,” Grozny told UA Football (via Sport Witness).
“He will play right away! Now in this position at Arsenal, there is no one stronger than Mudryk.
“No one will ever give €100m for Mudryk! And do not draw a parallel with Antony here. He played so much for Ajax and proved himself there. And Mudryk is not yet a known footballer – a dark horse for Europe, who shot this season in the Champions League.
“As for the transfer, I think the issue will be resolved at the end of January, and for the amount that Arsenal wants. The price will be quite decent, but far from what Shakhtar wants.
“The Pitmen can outplay themselves. If Mudryk is not sold to Arsenal now, they will not get such a sum for him again.”
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