Mykhaylo Mudryk is ready for the Premier League and can only benefit from a big-money move to Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal, Shakhtar Donetsk legend Oleksandr Sopko tells FootBoom.
One of the most coveted young forwards in European football presumably agrees whole-heartedly with Sopko’s argument. Mudryk has rarely missed an opportunity to remind the Gunners just how keen he is on a January move to the Emirates Stadium; ‘liking’ an image on Instagram this week showing the 21-year-old locked in a photoshopped prison.
The implication being, of course, that Shakhtar are keeping Mudryk against his will. The former Dnipro prospect has already agreed a five-year deal worth £120,000-a-week at Arsenal, according to The Sun, but Shakhtar are refusing to budge on an £85 million-plus price-tag. Much to Mudryk’s obvious frustration.
Sopko, who played nearly 300 games for the Ukranian giants in the 1980s, is convinced that a big-money move to a bonafide footballing powerhouse will be to Mudryk’s benefit. Whether Arsenal can reach a compromise with the Shakhtar bosses, however, remains to be seen.
Arsenal still hope to sign Ukraine star Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk
“Yes (Mudryk is ready),” Sopko argues.
“He has matured, and it is time for him to change his environment. A new challenge in life is always important. It’s useful to change teams and leagues; to move to the championship where there is more competition. Where you will be come up against by super players, the best, from all over the world.”
Mudryk has ten goals and eight assists in just 18 games this season. He saw an opening bid of £55 million from Arsenal fall short earlier this month. The Gunners could now to make an improved offer of £62 million, per The Standard, though Shakhtar remain reluctant to cash in for a penny less than 100 million euros; using Manchester United’s signing of Antony from Ajax as a benchmark.
“The interests of three parties – the club, the player and the coach – must be taken into account,” Sopko adds. “Shakhtar has considerable experience in this matter. They know how to sell players (for maximum value).
“Football players like Mudryk are an exclusive product. He is very expensive. Such a player usually significantly affects the game, and is able to do something extraordinary and create a miracle.
“Therefore, the club that wants to buy Mykhaylo must understand that a substantial sum must be paid.”
Chelsea are now hoping to hi-jack Arsenal’s long-standing interest (Fabrizio Romano). Shakhtar director Darijo Srna was at Stamford Bridge for Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.
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