Arsenal unfazed by Chelsea ‘hijack’ threat in €80m Mudryk race as report highlights ‘more likely’ resolution

Arsenal are reportedly not “worried” by Chelsea’s interest in Mykhailo Mudryk as Mikel Arteta’s side remain “optimistic” that they will sign the winger.

The two London rivals find themselves in a battle to sign Mudryk this month from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Arsenal identified him as their priority signing ahead of the January transfer window as they are looking to add to their options on the flanks.

Mudryk was available for just €30m in the summer but this was before his stunning performances in the Champions League group stages this season. He was involved in five goals in six games as Arsenal failed to qualify for the knockout stages.

The Gunners were unable to sign a winger in the summer but they have already reportedly had two bids rejected for Mudryk.

Should they secure Mudryk’s services, they will likely divert their focus to strengthening in centre-midfield in the summer.

Chelsea hope to ruin Arsenal’s plans though as they have entered the running to sign Mudryk.

The Blues are not messing around under new co-owner Todd Boehly. They spent over £200m in the summer and they are now looking to sign Enzo Fernandez for over £100m following his brilliant World Cup form.

Graham Potter’s side may be able to offer Mudryk more money than Arsenal, but Ben Jacobs is reporting that the Gunners are not concerned by the interest from their rivals.

“Chelsea’s interest in Mykhaylo Mudryk doesn’t worry Arsenal. #AFC remain optimistic. Shakhtar still want more money upfront and an overall package closer to €80m. #AFC second bid was under €70m,” Jacobs wrote via Twitter.

Jacobs went on to suggest that the “more likely” resolution is that Mudryk will join Arsenal but they do not intend to “get involved in a bidding war”.

“Multiple sources anticipate Mudryk is more likely to end up at Arsenal. The opportunity for #CFC will only emerge if #AFC walk away. And Arsenal’s calmness from the situation comes from the fact they have a maximum price in mind to do exactly that regardless of a rival suitor,” Jacobs added.

“Should Chelsea make a massive offer (well above market value and beyond Arsenal’s top-end valuation) it would play into Shakhtar’s hands. But Arsenal won’t get involved in a bidding war.

“Chelsea have not yet made any offer (even a verbal one) for Mudryk. Todd Boehly will discuss the opportunity further with senior Shakhtar representatives at Stamford Bridge. #CFC know a successful hijack won’t come cheap or at value and that Mudryk is still pushing for Arsenal.

“Mudryk’s Shakhtar teammates have been joking since summer that he has ‘already joined’ and he is in regular contact with Oleksandr Zinchenko as well as watching almost every Arsenal game.”

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