Chelsea are now planning to overtake Arsenal in the race to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk – who Everton bid £30m for earlier in 2022.
What’s the story?
Well, there is currently intense speculation surrounding Arsenal and Mudryk after the Gunners saw an opening offer worth £55m rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk.
That is according to the Evening Standard, who add that the north Londoners are set to make an improved bid.
Now, however, they face a new obstacle in the form of Chelsea.
The Guardian believe Graham Potter would like to sign a new forward after losing Armando Broja to a serious knee injury, which could rule the Albania international out for up to 12 months.
Shakhtar Donetsk are said to be holding out for a bid of £85m to sell Mudryk in January, after his stunning efforts so far this season.
The 21-year-old has scored ten goals, while also providing eight assists, in just 18 appearances.
Chelsea have already wrapped up a deal to sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig at the end of the season, although the Blues are still not satisfied with their attack.
Everton could have beaten Arsenal & Chelsea to Mudryk
Interestingly, Mudryk could have been playing for Everton, having made an offer back in the summer.
Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports claims that the Toffees offered a total package worth £30m to Shakhtar Donetsk, and while they were happy with that fee, the Ukrainian giants wanted performance related add-ons included.
Everton then walked away from the deal, and Frank Lampard is probably kicking himself that he didn’t push harder to sign Mudryk, who is now worth almost three times that £30m bid.
Keep an eye on this situation, as the Shakhtar Donetsk No.10 could soon be playing in the blue of Chelsea, rather than the blue of Everton, if Potter successfully hijacks Mikel Arteta’s pursuit.
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