Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk 'hoping' for January move
Mykhaylo Mudryk, who is the target of a number of European clubs, is eager for a move away from Shakhtar Donetsk in January, after propelling himself to the spotlight through a number of brilliant performances both domestically and the UEFA Champions League.
The Ukrainian winger has starred for Shakhtar throughout the last few months, and according to Ben Jacobs, he is hoping for a move in January, as he "couldn't say no" to Arsenal.
Several other European clubs are reportedly keen to sign him, including Newcastle United, Sevilla, Bayer Leverkusen, and Ajax.
While a number of clubs want him, Shakhtar are holding firm, even rejecting a €30 million bid for Mudryk in the summer.
Sporting director Darijo Srna stated that Mudryk is a "serious talent" and "after Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, he's the best player in Europe in his position".
"If someone wants to buy Mudryk, they must spend a lot, a lot, a lot of money and respect our club," Srna added.
The 21-year-old has scored two goals and provided three assists in five appearances in all competitions this season, putting on great displays in the Champions League in particular.
Arsenal are still very interested in the winger, but it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will make a move in January. Ben Jacobs remarked that Arsenal never bid or seriously considered doing so in the summer.
A number of clubs are put off by Shakhtar's €50 million valuation, which will only continue to rise if he maintains his current level of performances.
While Arsenal let go of Nicolas Pepe in the summer, Brazilian winger Marquinhos seems to have quickly filled that gap being used a rotational option.
On the other hand, Newcastle are eager to sign a winger, as if they want to step up their level and make a push for Europe, they need to get an upgrade on the likes of Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy. Signing Mudryk would be a clear sign of intent from Newcastle's new owners.
Sevilla and Ajax are both eager to get replacements for departing wingers, with Lucas Ocampos being signed by the latter from the former after Antony left the club. Sevilla signed Adnan Januzaj, but he has struggled to get in the side, and the same can be said about Ocampos at Ajax.
On the contrary, Leverkusen could see signing Mudryk as a proactive move for the prospect of selling Moussa Diaby, who is touted for a departure, especially after the horrible start that the German club had this season.
