‘I was told’: Arsenal wanted ‘stunning’ player signed in next 10 days but now there’s an issue – journalist

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Arsenal wanted Mykhaylo Mudryk in the door within the first two weeks of the transfer window but Chelsea’s interest is an issue.

That is according to journalist Dean Jones on YouTube, who claims that he has been told Arsenal would not initially go above £65 million for the winger.

But Chelsea are on the scene now, which strengthens Shakhtar’s resolve to hold out for closer to £85 million, which would break Arsenal’s record transfer fee.

Chelsea interest in Mudryk causes Arsenal an issue

Jones said: “Mudryk is one to take seriously. What you are saying there about Chelsea coming into the conversation and Shakhtar now having more hope of getting that figure, what that does ultimately is push the deal further down the line.

“When Arsenal first looked at signing Mudryk they really were looking to get the deal done and signed in the first two weeks of the transfer window. You were thinking that by the middle of the month that business is tied up, the player can start to settle himself and make the move.

“Now you’re looking at it and for this deal to happen in the middle of the month, Shakhtar don’t care about that do they? They are looking at how much money they can get form the deal, they aren’t worried about how the player is sat there logged on to arsenal.com!

“Originally I was told the ceiling on this deal would be around £65 million, and let’s look into the not too distant past when they bought Nicolas Pepe, it was £72 million they ended up going to. He was never worth that money and this situation isn’t too dissimilar because Mudryk isn’t really worth that money either.

“If you get to £85 million, my hunch is that you might as well get Joao Felix for six months because what you’re going to get from Felix is genuinely one of the best attackers in European football.”

Mudryk has been on fire this season, and was called ‘stunning‘ in October when he scored an outstanding goal against Celtic in the Champions League.

“Absolutely stunning from Mudryk, arguably the best player on the park this evening so far,” BBC Sport journalist Kheredine Idessane said.

“Pace, power and a fabulous finish arrowing into the top of Joe Hart’s net. Sensational goal, and we’re back level at Celtic Park.”