Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of young winger Mykhaylo Mudryk but they may face competition from Chelsea.
The Gunners have been trying to get over the line for the player for a while having been impressed by Mudryk over the last year.
They recently had a bid rejected by the Ukrainian club earlier in the window but are still adamant on getting a deal for him over the line in the winter window.
READ: Arsenal fan finds incredible ‘proof’ that Mudryk is already in the UK
However, with Chelsea’s latest interest, Arsenal may not have an easy ride in their bid to sign the winger, as explained by Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea interested in Mudryk
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano said: “Arsenal bid for Mudryk is in excess of €50m guaranteed fee plus add-ons, sources don’t want to enter into details as it could be key moment of the negotiation.”
“Arsenal are pushing, they are trying their best and the player is absolutely keen on the move. “Chelsea also had contacts to explore the situation but they’d only act if Arsenal move will collapse. Arsenal remain the priority.”
READ: ‘Absolutely possible’ Arsenal could walk away from Mudryk transfer
Arsenal are not keen to back out of the deal at this crucial stage and will continue to negotiate with Mudryk’s representatives and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Arsenal have improved their proposal to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk, confirmed — as talks are on after €40m plus €20m bid rejected. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
It’s up to Shakhtar now, as @yehor__d reported.
🔵 Chelsea, also interested in Mudryk in case Arsenal deal collapses. #AFC remain priority. pic.twitter.com/YBYWFSlZSy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 2, 2023
Chelsea have been looking at young talents for their squad and are keen to add Mudryk having already made several such moves in the Todd Boehly era thus far.
They are still focusing on signing Enzo Fernandez in the winter having been impressed by his World Cup performances where he was named the Young Player of the Tournament.
Arsenal saw a €50 million offer for Mudryk turned down so Chelsea will have to bid a higher amount in order to get him – earlier in the season, it was reported Shakhtar Donetsk wanted a fee of around €80 million for the player.