Mykhaylo Mudryk, a star for Shakhtar Donetsk, has reportedly been identified as Arsenal’s “main priority” signing during the January transfer window.
The assertion is made by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has kept Arsenal supporters informed about the club’s pursuit of the 21-year-old over recent months as they seek to bolster their roster with another winger.
The first reports of Arsenal’s interest in the player appeared in the summer, but according to Romano, the club decided against making a deal because of Shakhtar’s high asking price.
Since then, the club’s asking price has increased even further, according to Darijo Srna, a former legendary player, who spoke with The Athletic “The price is being decided by the market, not by me. Antony and [Jack] Grealish are players worth more than €100 million, and in my opinion, Mudryk is just as good as them.”
Later, he added: “We only demand respect. The price is being set by the market, not by me. It demonstrates the type of players who demand this sort of payment.”
To sign Mudryk, Arsenal might have to shell out €100 million (£88 million). However, that might be a small price to pay for a 21-year-old winger who has nine goals and eight assists this season across all competitions and who has performed well in two Champions League group stage matches against Real Madrid.
Arsenal is Romano’s top priority.
Despite the difficulties, Romano explained to GiveMeSport that the Arsenal are likely to relaunch their pursuit of the Ukrainian international in January.
“I think Mudryk is the main priority,” he said. Mudryk is the player they really want.
“It has to do with the price, as Shakhtar has been really aggressive in negotiations for more than a year.
Additionally, Shakhtar declined Everton’s offer of €30 million in August, as well as approaches for €40 million.
“It’s not easy, but they want big money for Mudryk.”
Arsenal would break their record for a club transfer if they agreed to pay the reported £88 million for Mudryk.
The Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pepe’s 2019 transfer from Lille, which cost £72 million, currently holds that record.
Pepe’s time at Arsenal, however, has not gone as expected, and he is currently on loan at Nice for the entire 2022–2023 season.
As a result, Mudryk would have to contend with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and returning Emile Smith Rowe for a starting position at the Emirates Stadium.
