Arsenal face ‘major obstacle’ in Mykhaylo Mudryk race with club ‘at war’ over €100m ‘record deal’

Lewis Oldham
Arsenal target Mudryk

A ‘major obstacle’ could reportedly prevent Arsenal from signing Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk either in January or next summer.

It’s time for a daily update on the Mudryk saga.

For those unaware, the winger has been identified as Arsenal’s ‘primary target’ ahead of January with them looking to sign a new wide man.

Mudryk has enjoyed a breakout season in 2022/23 for Shakhtar as he has particularly impressed in the Champions League.

The 22-year-old was involved in five goals in his side’s six group games but they were unable to go through to the knockout stages.

The attacker has made it abundantly clear that he is keen to sign for Arsenal.

“Shakhtar for me is my home,” Mudryk said in September. “All my thoughts are only about Shakhtar. In winter we [will] see.

“I think every guy dreams about [playing in the] Premier League. Arsenal is a very good team. A very good coach. I like the way they play.

“From my side, I can’t say no [to Arsenal], but a transfer is not only my decision.”

Shakhtar clearly recognises that they could make a lot of money by selling Mudryk in the coming months with his contract not up until 2026.

Publicly, they have claimed that Mudryk is valued at €100m. But it is instead suggested that would ‘entertain bids of €60m’.

A fresh report from TEAMtalk suggests that Mudryk’s price tag is the ‘major obstacle’ in the way of Arsenal signing him.

The Gunners are said to be ‘at war with Shakhtar’s over the player’s asking price. TEAMtalk transfer expert Graeme Bailey has added that Arsenal know that a “club-record deal” is needed to get Mudryk.

“Mudryk is pushing for [his] Arsenal move and Arsenal are pushing for him – but there is an issue over the fee,” Bailey told TEAMtalk.

“Shakhtar Donetsk are demanding Jack Grealish (£100m) money, and for a player who has only played in Ukraine, that is a tough call – despite knowing how talented he is.

“Arsenal expect they can strike a deal, but they know they are likely to have to agree a club-record deal to get him.”

A separate report from Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Arsenal remain in “pole position” to sign Mudryk.

“Arsenal are trying to get Mykhaylo Mudryk and they know that he is a very talented player,” Di Marzio told Soccer News.

“I don’t know if they are going for him in January, but they are for sure in pole position to get him.

“Shakhtar is a very difficult club to negotiate with and they are probably demanding around €35 million for him.

“Mudryk is a really strong player. AC Milan wanted him last summer in case Rafael Leao left them but the price was too high for Milan.”

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