Arsenal told Mudryk has Ballon d’Or potential

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 24 Jan 2023 12:02 GMT
• 2 min read

Arsenal have been told that transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk has the potential to become a Ballon d’Or winner and that they should break the bank to sign the Ukraine international.

The Gunners face a shock challenge from Chelsea to land the 21-year-old attacker, but it is still thought that the Emirates club are leading the race to sign the winger.

Although the Blues have reportedly added the player to their shortlist ahead of the January transfer window, the Emirates club have already started the process of negotiating with Shakhtar Donetsk, Mudryk’s club, and have a bid in the region of €62 million knocked back.

MORE: Mudryk transfer puts FIVE Arsenal stars under threat

Roberto De Zerbi, the former head coach of the Ukrainian champions and now Brighton manager, has suggested that he would be willing to pay his old club’s asking price if he were in charge of transfer policy at Arsenal or Chelsea.

De Zerbi’s Brighton side tackle Arsenal on New Year’s Eve, and he was inevitably asked about his thoughts on Mudryk ahead of the match. He gave the player a glowing endorsement and even said he could become the best in the world.

“I like him, because I like all my ex-players. But Brighton can't buy him, Arsenal, I don't know,” he said.

“I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d'Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk, he has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or.”

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What is Mudryk's price tag?

Shakhtar have told suitors that they expect to receive a sum in the region of that Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021 in order to sell the player, who is under contract until December 2026.

That will mean Arsenal or Chelsea stumping up €118m for the player, although the suggestion is that Mudryk may be attainable for a fee closer to €80m.