Arsenal transfer news: Mykhailo Mudryk deal close for possible £80m
Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk are working on final details with Mikel Arteta closing in on top January transfer target
By
Sam Dean
Mykhailo Mudryk has impressed in the Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk CREDIT: Bernat Armangue/AP
Arsenal are close to reaching an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk over the transfer of Mykhailo Mudryk, with the discussions now focusing on the final details and structure of the fee.
Arsenal have made Mudryk their top target in this January transfer window and have been in negotiations with Shakhtar since last month.
Telegraph Sport understands Arsenal have indicated a willingness to agree a deal that could be worth around £75 million to £80 million, including all add-ons.
Talks between the two clubs are now centred around the proportion of the transfer fee — how much of it is paid up front, and how much of it will be in add-ons.
The probability of those add-ons being reached is a key factor in the eyes of Shakhtar, who have publicly valued Mudryk at close to £90m.
The expectation is that the initial payment for the player will be more than £50m, although no final agreement has yet been reached between the two clubs.
Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, as Mudryk has made it clear that he is keen to join the Premier League leaders.
The Ukraine international has done little to hide his intentions, giving multiple interviews last year — including one with the wife of Oleksandr Zinchenko — in which he expressed his admiration for the club.
Chelsea could yet attempt to hijack the move for Mudryk but Arsenal have been confident throughout the process that they are the 22-year-old’s preferred destination.
Mudryk is a winger who operates primarily on the left of the attack, although he can also play on the right side.
He is regarded as one of Europe’s leading young forwards and was recently described by Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi, his former manager, as a potential Ballon d’Or winner.
If he does make the move to Arsenal, he will provide competition for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in Mikel Arteta’s attack.
