Watch: Fabrizio Romano confirms ‘Arsenal are leading the race with Chelsea for Mudryk’
Fabrizio Romano has broken down the latest in the battle between Arsenal and Chelsea for Mykhailo Mudryk’s signature.
It’s long been reported that Arsenal are interested in signing the 21-year-old Ukrainian winger from Shakhtar Donetsk.
They’re said to have placed two bids for Mudryk, who has been dubbed the “Ukrainian Neymar”, turned down by Shakhtar.
The Ukrainian champions have stated that they see Antony’s transfer from Ajax to Manchester United – reportedly in the region of £86million – in the summer as the benchmark for the deal. They’re holding out for a fee in the region of £90million.
Mudryk himself has made it clear on social media that he is keen on a move to Arsenal, which could give the Gunners leverage when it comes to negotiations.
But it’s since become increasingly clear that Chelsea may be willing to offer the highly-rated youngster an alternative destination.
So what’s the latest in the state of play?
“Shakhtar director Darijo Srna was at the stadium, confirmed, at the Chelsea vs Man City game,” began transfer insider Romano in his latest YouTube post.
”He had conversations with Chelsea, and Chelsea confirmed they hold an interest in Mykhailo Mudryk.
”I’m able to confirm – again and again, as I said five days ago and all the people attack me but now the stories in all the papers in England – the reality is that Chelsea are interested in Mudryk. They want Mudryk.
”But Chelsea also know that for Mudryk, the priority is to join Arsenal. Mudryk wants Arsenal as priority. Arsenal remain in contact with Shakhtar too.
”It’s not only Chelsea speaking to Shakhtar. Arsenal are speaking to Shakhtar. Arsenal are confident. But Shakhtar told Chelsea and Arsenal the same thing – they are not accepting €40-45-50million plus add-ons. They want way more than that.
“They still hope for €100million for Mudryk. So the expectation of the whole industry is that Shakhtar will come down to €80million, maybe €85million. But in the meetings Shakhtar continue to repeat that they want €100million.
“It’s a strategy game. For the player, Arsenal is the top priority. Arsenal are in contact with Shakhtar. Chelsea are also trying to approach Shakhtar, waiting to see what the player will do in case they will not reach an agreement between Arsenal and Shakhtar.
”Arsenal are leading the race. Arsenal is the priority of the player. Chelsea are trying to attack this situation.”
READ NEXT: Every stage of Mykhailo Mudryk’s escalating flirtation with Arsenal
TRY A QUIZ: Can you name the 25 most expensive transfers of all time?