Mykahylo Mudryk admits he is ‘very upset’ to learn that Shakhtar Donetsk are demanding 100 million euros for him, indicating to SportArena that such a staggering price-tag could scupper a dream move to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
There is a smattering of logic about Shakhtar’s stance.
As director Darijo Srna points out, if the likes of Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Antony can join Premier League clubs for such colossal fees, why should the Ukrainian giants accept any lowball bids for a footballer dubbed Europe’s third-best left-winger, behind only Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr?
Speaking to The Athletic, Srna said that anyone looking to sign Mudryk (officially the fastest player in the Champions League group-stages) would have to pay ‘huge, huge, huge money’. More specifically, 100 million euros. Or, if you like, £85 million.
A fee that would see Mudryk replace Nicolas Pepe as the most expensive acquisition in Arsenal’s history. Presuming, of course, the 21-year-old’s dream move to the Emirates threatens to become a reality.
Arsenal like Mykhaylo Mudryk but Shakhtar Donetsk want £85m for the Ukraine star
Mudryk has made no attempt to hide his admiration for the Gunners. Given the choice, he would choose Arsenal over the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Mudryk is under no illusions, however, insisting that not even Europe’s most deep-pocketed clubs are going to throw down £85 million for a man relatively unproven outside of his native Ukraine.
“When I found out my price, I was not only surprised – I was shocked,” says Mudryk.
“Every footballer has a dream to play in a top club and in a top league. I am no exception. But I’m 100 per cent sure that it’s unlikely a player will be bought from Ukraine for 100 million euros.”
Everton, per Fabrizio Romano, had a £25 million bid turned down in August. Newcastle United were weighing up a £50 million offer of their own, but that will have to be revised.
“After reading the interview with the CEO, I will not hide it; I was very upset,” Mudryk adds. “The 100 million euros amount puts up a barrier to my move to a top league, which I dreamed of. I can’t say that my dream is killed. But it is wounded, that’s for sure.
“But I’m a professional. I’m a Shakhtar player. We have a few tough league games left that we have to win, and I’ll do my best for that.”
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