‘Within the next week’: Journalist drops encouraging weekend update for Arsenal on Mykhaylo Mudryk

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are optimistic over signing Mykhaylo Mudryk in the coming week in a deal that could be worth around £66m in the end.

The Gunners are pursuing a move for Mudryk and he is known to be Mikel Arteta’s number one target this window.

However, interest from Chelsea, in addition to Shakhtar holding firm over their valuation, has meant the Gunners haven’t been able to do business just yet.

But speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Ben Jacobs believes a deal isn’t far away for Arsenal and that Shakhtar might ok the deal soon enough.

“That was never ultimately Arsenal’s intent to get sucked into a bidding war and I think that’s why they still feel in control of the situation. There is optimism from Arsenal’s end that they can still get to a deal that has what Shakhtar want upfront which is at least €55m (£48m), plus add-ons taking it above €70m and maybe even a little bit more,” Jacobs said.

“If they get to that package of €70m/€75m (£61m/£66m) but with a strong structure, then I think the feeling from Arsenal’s perspective is that Shakhtar might sanction that sale, and do so within the next week or so.”

TBR’s View: Mudryk to Arsenal could go to the wire

Despite the info from Jacobs here and a clear confidence from Arsenal, the fact that Chelsea are involved in proceedings means this one is on a knife edge.

Mudryk has made it clear that he wants a move. However, Chelsea’s interest has thrown a spanner in the works a bit.

Sure, Arsenal could get to that £66m number mentioned and a deal could be done. But Shakhtar aren’t silly either, and will know Chelsea have money to spend. Effectively, this could become a big game of cat and mouse.

Arsenal, then, will hope they come out on top in the end.