Shakhtar chief reveals imminent Arsenal ‘phone conversation’ about Mudryk with ‘exchange ready’
Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin has confirmed that they are “ready to exchange figures and ideas” amid Arsenal’s ongoing interest in Mykhaylo Mudryk.
It remains a priority for Arsenal to sign a winger after they failed to sign Raphinha from Leeds United in the summer.
They were also linked with Yeremi Pino and Pedro Neto but they have now fully diverted their focus to Mudryk.
The Ukraine international has been in stunning form this season as he made a name for himself in the Champions League group stages.
Mudryk was available for €30m in the summer as Everton tried to sign him but his value his rocketed in recent months.
Shakhtar have insisted publicly that they want as much as €100m for the winger, but separate reports have stated that they would actually entertain bids of around €60m.
Arsenal are attempting to move quickly to secure Mudryk’s services as they have already submitted one offer for him ahead of January.
Their initial offer was reportedly worth up to €62m (£55m). This has been rejected but they fully intend to return with another bid.
Shakhtar’s hierarchy have not exactly remained coy about Mudryk in recent weeks as they are looking to get as much money as they can out of Arsenal.
The club’s CEO – Palkin – has now revealed that he is due to have another “phone conversation” with Arsenal about the transfer.
“Negotiations are continuing. We receive offers, but they are not the ones we would like to see on our table. Now, literally in 5 minutes, I will have a phone conversation with Arsenal,” Palkin revealed.
“We are open to negotiations, ready to exchange ideas and figures. If we will agree, then let it be so. If we will not, then let it be another time.”
From Mudryk’s standpoint, he has been clear that he wants to move to Arsenal.
TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey is reporting that the Gunners are “very much hoping” that they can sign Mudryk next month.
“There are other teams who are keen on Mykhaylo Mudryk, but the player wants to move to Arsenal, that is clear,” Bailey told TEAMtalk.
“Arsenal want Mudryk and that is not just down to their title charge, they always believed another forward was required in January.
“We shouldn’t forget that they tried and failed to sign Raphinha in the summer window but now they are very much hoping they can get the Mudryk deal over the line.
“There is no issue with the player, it is down to the two clubs and they are still a bit away from agreeing terms but the belief is that it will happen.”
