The proof Arsenal face incredible competition for Mudryk

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • 22 Sept 2022 19:42 BST
  • 3 min read
Mykhalo Mudryk Shakhtar Donetsk 2022-23
© ProShots

Mykhaylo Mudryk is believed to be a target for Arsenal in the January transfer window but the Gunners are set to face fierce competition for the Ukranian winger's signature.

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Mudryk played 83 minutes as his country lost 3-0 to Scotland in front of the watching eyes of scouts from more than half of the Premier League, who had travelled to Glasgow to monitor the 21-year-old.

Arsenal had a bid of around €30 million rejected by Shakhtar towards the end of the transfer window, as did Everton and Brentford among others, and the Ukrainian side are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of €50m.

Mudryk has attracted attention after starring for Shakhtar in the Champions League, grabbing two assists and a goal in a win at RB Leipzig as well netting in the 1-1 draw against Celtic.

Representatives from the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle were dispatched to watch Ukraine in action and were believed to be primarily scouting Mudryk as well as Shakhtar defender Mykola Matvienko and winger Viktor Tsygankov of Dynamo Kyiv.

Scouts from Arsenal, Brentford, Brighton, Everton, Leeds, West Ham and Wolves were also in attendance at Hampden Park as well as some from a number of unnamed clubs.

Will Mudryk be on his way to the Premier League?

Despite a poor result for Ukraine in their Nation's League group game, Mudryk is still expected to be heavily pursued by English clubs in January.

The winger recently spoke about playing in the Premier League, admitting it was a dream for most players and that Arsenal were a club that he admired.

The presence of fellow Ukrainian Oleksandr Zinchenko at the Emirates will undoubtedly be a factor in Mudryk's decision after he hinted towards a January transfer.

Arsenal are believed to be the club with the strongest interest in Mudryk after missing out on him in the summer and they could act swiftly in order to beat rivals to the punch.

The Gunners had identified him after being told that their primary target, Pedro Neto of Wolves, was not available and they opted not to sign an alternative, instead holding out until January when they could make a renewed approach for Mudryk.

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