Watch: Fabrizio Romano on ‘100% confirmed’ talks between Arsenal & Mudryk
Fabrizio Romano has posted a new update in which he’s outlined the latest developments in Arsenal’s pursuit of Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Mudryk is believed to be the top target for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners in the mid-season winter window. Arsenal are five points clear of Manchester City as they approach 2023 and are looking to bolster their title charge by strengthening Arteta’s squad.
The 21-year-old winger has caught the eye with some sensational performances for Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League this season. He notched three goals and two assists for Shakhtar in six group-stage appearances.
Earlier in the week, it had been reported that Arsenal have sprung into action and are actively looking to get Mudryk signed in the early days of the January transfer window.
“Arsenal enter into the key stages of the negotiations to sign Mykhailo Mudryk, the Ukrainian star playing for Shakhtar Donetsk,” transfer guru Romano posted in his YouTube update following reports of the bid.
“There is no problem at all on the player’s side but the key point now is to reach an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk. In the last hours Arsenal have made an official opening bid for Mudryk.
“[The] official bid is worth €40million guaranteed fee plus €20million in add ons so the total package is €60million [£53million].”
However, two days later, there has been no movement and no announcement, suggesting that Shakhtar are holding out for more money – the Ukrainian club are on the record as stating they believe he’s worth closer to €100million.
“Talks for Mudryk are on,” confirmed Shakhtar CEO on Thursday morning.
“We receive offers but not the ones we would like to see on our table. I’ll speak again to Arsenal so yes, we are open to discussing fees and ideas. If we will agree, then let it be so. If we will not, then let it be another time. Now, literally in five minutes, I will have a new phone call conversation with Arsenal for the Mykhaylo Mudryk deal.”
So what is the current state of play, as of Friday afternoon?
“Arsenal and Shakhtar are still in contact. This is 100% confirmed. They are speaking, they are negotiating,” said Romano.
“But at the moment, still no agreement in place. Let’s see whether Arsenal submit one more official bid. One more bid is expected by Arsenal because they want to try again, they want to get closer.
“The feeling around those close to the negotiations is that Shakhtar are asking for €100million, but that they can lower their expectations for something around €80-85million. Let’s see if Arsenal decide to go with that kind of proposal. If they decide to wait and negotiate. But for sure, Arsenal are still in contact with Shakhtar.”
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