Arsenal are in contact with Shakhtar Donetsk over the transfer of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, claims Fabrizio Romano. The North London club are looking to strengthen the squad in January as they look to win their first league title in 19 years.
Arsenal in Talks With Ukrainian Club Over Mykhailo Mudryk
Mudryk, one to watch in 2023. Arsenal are still interested, contacts ongoing since August but no official bid on Shakhtar's table yet. The race is open, there are also other clubs. ⭐️🇺🇦 #AFC
Shakhtar want more than rumoured €50/60m to sell him.
More: https://t.co/FNJJY2i8ZK pic.twitter.com/QBBFg6sSZD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 11, 2022
The Gunners Are Looking to Improve Their Squad Depth
With the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka off to the World Cup in Qatar, the Gunners would need sufficient backup in the wide areas to compete in the UEFA Europa League and the Premier League simultaneously. The 21-year-old winger would be a welcome addition in the January transfer window. The Ukrainian has contributed five goals and five assists for Shakhtar Donetsk in the league this season. He has also scored thrice in his six appearances in the UEFA Champions League group stages.
Read More: Juventus and Mystery Club Both Showed Interest in Arsenal Star
The injury to Englishman Emile Smith-Rowe further demonstrates Arsenal’s lack of depth in the wide positions. Although Reiss Nelson has found some form for Mikel Arteta’s side, the signing of Mudryk would greatly bolster the squad.
Arsenal Face Stiff Competition in Race to Sign Winger
Arsenal are in contact with Shakhtar Donetsk regarding Mudryk but face competition from other European clubs. Italian giants Juventus and Roma are also interested in the young winger. A host of English clubs including Newcastle United, Everton and Brentford are also interested in the Ukrainian. Everton’s bid of £26 million was reportedly rejected in September. Shakhtar want more than the rumoured £52 million to sell him, according to Romano. Arsenal, having spent more than any other club over the past three summer windows, are frontrunners to get his signature.
Ukrainian Connection in Arsenal
Arsenal will be hoping that their resident Ukrainian, Oleksandr Zinchenko, will play a role in bringing Mudryk to the Emirates Stadium. Earlier in the year, in an interview with CBS Sports, Mudryk admitted that he would be willing to pen a deal with the Gunners. Mudryk said: “Yes. I think every guy dreams about the Premier League.”
Then, when asked specifically about Arsenal, he added: “Yes, yes. It’s hard to say but Arsenal is a very good team. Very good coach, I like the way they play.” Arsenal fans will be hoping that their club’s brilliant start to the season would be reason enough to lure the winger to North London.
