Arsenal Transfers: Gunners handed major boost in Mykhaylo Mudryk pursuit

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in January and their pursuit has been boosted by Shakhtar Donestk lowering their valuation of the 21-year-old.

Mudryk has been one of the breakout stars of 2022 and he’s set to move on from Shakhtar next year with a whole host of clubs interested in acquiring his services. The lightning-quick winger proved himself at the highest level this autumn as he notched five Champions League goal contributions in six group games.

Mudryk’s rise has been noted by the Gunners, who may look to add some attacking depth to their ranks in January. The 21-year-old is seemingly open to the move, and Shakhtar’s decision to lower their demands is an undoubted boost.

Gunners handed major boost in Mykhaylo Mudryk pursuit

The Ukrainian giants resisted approaches from other Premier League clubs in the summer which saw Mudryk remain at the club and develop at a rapid rate to begin the 2022/23 campaign. His remarkable form this season lifted his value significantly, and Shakhtar previously said it’d take an offer in the region of £90m to convince them to sell.

This valuation surprised Mudryk, who wants to move on at the next possible opportunity: “I am 100% sure that they [any potential suitor] are unlikely to buy a player from the championship of Ukraine for 100m. I will not hide that I was very upset. The amount of 100m puts a barrier for my transition to the top championship, which I so dreamed of. I can’t say that my dream was killed, but wounded – that’s for sure.”

However, according to The Mirror, Shakhtar’s stance has since softened and they’d reportedly now be willing to let Mudryk leave if an offer of around £40m came in.

This is a deal that Arsenal should be able to afford and pull off, but the competition is fierce for the spritely winger’s signature. Mudryk is poised to be a January protagonist, and links to the Gunners are seemingly never too far away.