Mykhaylo Mudryk is keen on a move to England (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Arsenal pulled out of a move for Ukrainian sensation Mykhaylo Mudryk last summer after being put off by Shakthar Donetsk’s valuation of the winger.
Mikel Arteta was desperate to bolster his wide options last summer as he felt that the Gunners were too reliant on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the flanks.
Mudryk has caught the eye of Europe’s elite in the last 18 months with a string of sensational performances, particularly in the Champions League.
The 21-year-old sent a clear message to the Gunners last summer when he name-dropped Arsenal in an interview in which he said he wanted to move to England.
Asked whether his dream was to move to the Premier League and potentially tojoin Arsenal, he said: ‘Yes, yes. I think every player dreams of the Premier League.
‘It’s hard to say but Arsenal is a very good team, very good coach. I like the way they play. From my side I can’t say no [to Arsenal] but a transfer is not just up to my decision.’
Mudryk’s desire to move to the Emirates was made clear to the club by the winger’s representatives, who held ‘positive talks’ with the Gunners last summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
However, after failing with a move for Leeds United star Raphinha, the Gunners were put off Mudryk by Donetsk’s £45m valuation of the winger.
Mudryk is valued at around £60m (Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
‘We know they [Arsenal] wanted a winger. Raphinha was the dream, but it was not possible to proceed,’ Romano said on his YouTube channel.
‘They have had very positive contacts on Mudryk on the player’s side, but then they decided not to proceed with Shakhtar because they wanted more than £40m to £45m.’
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That decision looks a poor one in hindsight, given the winger’s profile has skyrocketed in recent months.
The Ukranian club now value him at closer to £65m but Arsenal still retain their interest.
‘Now Shakhtar want more than £60m to £65m,’ Romano continued.
‘But Arsenal are still following the player.
‘They consider Mudryk a top talent and so Arsenal are still there but let’s see because now the race is open with many top clubs, but Arsenal will be busy in the next few weeks.’
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Hindsight’s a wonderful thing…
