Arsenal to closely watch the 'next Mudryk' in Champions League clash

Tom Weber

Updated: 15 Oct 2024 15:47 BST
3 min read

Georgiy Sudakov, Mykhailo Mudryk, Ukraine, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal will pay close attention to Georgiy Sudakov when they face Shakhtar Donetsk next week, according to a report.

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The Ukraine midfielder has been one of Europe's most intriguing prospects for over a year now, so it was quite surprising that he did not make a move in the summer.

Sudakov has never made a secret of his desire to move to a top-five league and Shakhtar club bosses know that the 22-year-old has no shortage of suitors.

Napoli had a January bid rejected, so the expectation was that there would be a veritable transfer battle for him in the summer, with clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Juventus all frequently linked.

That, however, never materialised and Sudakov remains on the books at Shakhtar.

Arsenal to keep an eye on Sudakov

Long-time admirers Arsenal will get a first-hand look at the midfielder next Tuesday when they host Shakhtar in the Champions League. The Ukrainian giants have yet to score a goal in the competition, so they will be hoping to at least find the back of the net at the Emirates.

In league play, it has been a different story, with Sudakov a man bang in form. The youngster has scored seven times and assisted twice in 10 appearances so far,

Sudakov notched four goals and an assist against Cherkasy before the international break and Arsenal will be sure to pay close attention to his performance next Tuesday, according to CaughtOffside.

It is thought that Sudakov would be an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta's style, but there are concerns about his price. Sudakov is fitted with a €150 million release clause and although Shakhtar won't demand the full amount, he will still cost a pretty penny.

Given the struggles of his best friend Mykhailo Mudryk at Chelsea, clubs will be wary of paying north of €60m for Sudakov.