Former Shakhtar Donetsk analyst Oleg Starynskyi is ‘incredibly happy’ by how Mykhalyo Mudryk has developed at the Ukrainian giants and hopes to see the Arsenal target seal a move to the Premier League, speaking to Sport24.
During Starynskyi’s 16-month spell as a video analyst at Shakhtar, a teenage Mudryk forced his way into the first-team picture, and even played a minor role during the 2019/20 Ukrainian Premier League title triumph.
With Shakhtar now publicly demanding a fee in the region of £85 million for that very same player just two years down the line, Mudryk’s reputation has risen as quickly as his price-tag.
“I am incredibly happy with Mykhaylo Mudryk’s progress,” Starynskyi says of a player now dubbed the ‘third best left-winger in Europe’, behind only PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
“How much he has proven himself as a team player, as a talent, and as just a good person. He has great coaches who prepare him physically. And he is an incredibly hardworking person.”
Arsenal hope to sign Ukraine international Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk
Mudryk has made no attempt to hide his interest in a big-money move to North London. He even admits that he’d choose Arsenal over the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
“I am not an adviser on this issue, but I want him to play wherever he goes,” Starynskyi adds. “This is the most important thing.
“It is important that the next coach also believes in Mudryk. I would like Mykhaylo to play in England. This Premier League is watched everywhere, (there are) many fans of Arsenal.
“This would be a pleasant step for Ukraine’s image.”
Shakhtar director Darijo Srna insists, in conversation with The Athletic, that Mudryk will cost similar to the fees Manchester United and Manchester City invested in Antony and Jack Grealish. Behind closed doors, however, there appears to be an acceptance that Mudryk will be sold for a much lower fee. Potentially one in and around the £56 million mark (Dean Jones).
‘Very upset’
“When I found out my price, I was not only surprised – I was shocked,” Mudryk sighed in November.
“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.”
“I will not hide it; (I feel) very upset. The 100 million euros amount puts up a barrier to my move to a top league, which I dreamed of.”
The jet-heeled forward has 10 goals and eight assists in 18 games this season. He’s also been won Shakhtar’s Player of the Month award for three months in a row.
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