Mudryk 2.0? Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd chase Shakhtar ace

Robin Bairner

Updated: 27 Nov 2023 10:20 GMT
3 min read

Georgiy Sudakov, Mykhailo Mudryk, 2023/24 — © ProShots

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all vying to sign Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, according to a report.

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All three Premier League giants are seeking attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window, and in a twist that mimics the great race to sign Mykhailo Mudryk from the Ukrainian side this time last year, the trio are all thought to be interested in Sudakov.

Tutto Juve reports that Juventus and Barcelona are also interested in the 21-year-old midfielder, who is described as a “top-class talent”.

Chelsea are said to be seeking a repeat of the Mudryk deal, while Arsenal have “channels open” with Shakhtar, though just how warm the relations between the clubs are after last January’s saga is unclear.

Barcelona and Juventus are both known to be seeking to strengthen their midfield options, although the Catalan side’s financial problems make them outsiders in this particular race, despite Gavi suffering a season-ending injury.

A better prospect than Mudryk

Although there was much hype around Mudryk a year ago, with former Shakhtar boss Roberto De Zerbi notably mentioning him as a potential Ballon d’Or winner one day, Sudakov is a stronger talent.

The current Shakhtar player is substantially stronger than Mudryk was at the same stage of his career, according to data analytics firm SciSports.

It is important to underline, however, that the two play in different roles. Mudryk is primarily a winger, and though Sudakov has played on the left in the past, he typically occupies a role in the centre of midfield.

With a contract that runs until 2028, Shakhtar are in full control of the youngster’s future, which could force his transfer fee up.

There is little chance of Sudakov commanding the type of fee that Mudryk had as he moved for €70 million to Stamford Bridge last January, but with an estimated transfer value of €11.2 million given to him by FootballTransfers’ unique Player Valuation Model, he could prove substantially better value for money.