Mudryk admits Arsenal transfer dream has been 'wounded'

Robin Bairner

• 17 Nov 2022 12:40 GMT
• 3 min read

Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk has admitted that his prospects of a January transfer to Arsenal have been “wounded” by his club’s high valuation of him.

Mudryk has been linked to a string of major sides in recent weeks after a breakout year Shakhtar, in which he has impressed both domestically and in the Champions League.

The 21-year-old has already scored eight goals and created eight more this season in just 16 matches.

MORE: Re-signing Martinelli makes Mudryk's Arsenal transfer MORE likely

Such form – as well as interest from Premier League leaders Arsenal – has led his club to publicly stick an asking price of €100 million on the Ukraine international.

This figure would shatter the league’s previous transfer record, which saw Fred leave Shakhtar for Manchester United in 2018 for €59m, and in Mudryk’s eyes is an unfair price.

Mudryk 'shocked' by transfer price

“When I found out about my price, I wasn't just surprised – I was shocked,” Mudryk told Sport Arena.

“I have a long-term contract with Shakhtar, I give all my strength and energy so that Shakhtar achieves maximum results... but every football player has a dream to play in a top club and in a top championship - I am no exception.

“But I am 100 per cent sure that they are unlikely to buy a player from the championship of Ukraine for €100m... I will not hide that I was very upset. The amount of €100m puts a barrier for my transition to the top championship, which I so dreamed of. I can't say that my dream was killed, but wounded - that's for sure.”

Mudryk’s contract with Shakhtar runs until 2026, giving the club substantial power over where his immediate future lies. Arsenal or any other suitor will, therefore, have to spend big to secure his signature – but as the winger intimated, they will not go as high as €100m.