Arsenal transfer ‘hard to say no to’ for Mudryk
Shakhtar winger Mykhaylo Mudryk has hinted he would be open to joining Arsenal in January after the Gunners failed in a summer approach for him.
The 21-year-old was a target for Arsenal late in the transfer window but Shakhtar refused to budge on their €50 million asking price, while the Premier League side were only willing to offer around €35m.
Speaking to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, Mudryk insisted he was focused on Shakhtar for the time being but that a move to Arsenal would ‘be hard to say no to’ after being asked if the Gunners were a ‘dream club’.
“I think every player dreams about the Premier League,” Mudryk said. “It’s hard to say [one specific club] but Arsenal is a very good team with a very good coach, I like the way they play.
“It would be hard to say no. From my side, I can’t say no. But a transfer is not only my decision and my word. In the winter we will see.
“There was a lot of discussion about transfers and clubs who want me, but it’s normal. Now I’m in Shakhtar and I want to play for this team, I love this team. I love every guy in this team, Shakhtar is my home.
“For now all my thoughts are in Shakhtar but in winter we will see.”
Will Arsenal sign Mudryk in January?
Arsenal were hoping to sign one more attacker before the transfer deadline to boost the team after a perfect start to the season which saw them win their opening five Premier League games.
The Gunners had spent over £100m on the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Fabio Vieira but they were unable to add the midfielder and forward that they desired.
“Arsenal is a very good team. From my side I can’t say no…” 👀
Shakhtar winger Mykhaylo Mudryk says he’s open to an Arsenal move in January and sets the record straight on his nickname 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/vWv652D0yO— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 8, 2022
Pedro Neto was the priority target on the wing but Wolves were unwilling to sell their prized talent, prompting Arsenal to pursue a move for Mudryk.
Everton and Nice also made approaches for the Ukrainian but he was pushing for a move to Arsenal, however neither side were willing to budge on their respective valuations.
Mudryk grabbed a goal and two assists in the Champions League against RB Leipzig, showcasing why he is considered a top talent at Shakhtar.