"I am preparing" - £60m Arsenal-linked star speaks out on transfer future amid Gunners links

Rumoured Arsenal target and Ukrainian star Gerogiy Sudakov has spoken out on his desire to play in one of the top five European leagues ahead of his country’s European Championship campaign.

Sudakov, 21, is expected to play a huge part in Ukraine’s Euros hopes and featured in their 3-0 defeat to Romania today (Monday 17 June). Following an impressive season with Shakhtar Donetsk, with whom he has been with since 2017, the midfielder has caught the attention of clubs from around Europe, including the Premier League’s Chelsea and Arsenal.

Ahead of the Euros, Sudakov spoke to the Telegraph in which, not only did he speak of his desire to bring ‘respite’ to the people of Ukraine, but he also detailed his personal ambitions of showcasing his talent as the summer transfer window heats up.

“I see myself in the top five European leagues, but I cannot name a specific club,” Sudakov said. “I understand that it is an incredible opportunity to prove myself, I am preparing mentally and physically. I hope I can show everything I am capable of.

“Of course, I understand that my future depends on this tournament. But for that, I need to be at a high level in the Euros. Therefore, I’m going to focus on the tournament first and then see what happens after that.”

In a lengthy interview with the Telegraph, Sudakov also said that following his country’s successful qualifying campaign, he received letters from the soldiers fighting in the war against Russia, thanking the football team for providing a cause for celebration.

“Many soldiers wrote to me, they thanked us for this victory and were incredibly happy”, Sudakov continued. “They are the ones out there fighting for a more peaceful world. I thank them for their service and pray for their safe and fast return home.

“It was incredible [to qualify]. We fought very hard for our people and for our country to get a spot at the Euros. The fact that we managed to reach that goal fills us with immense pride and joy. I can’t wait to represent Ukraine.”

Both the Gunners and Chelsea, as well as Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are all said to be interested in the midfielder. As a result of such attention, the Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin has placed a £60 million price tag on the star and has already admitted he is well aware that the much-admired midfielder is highly unlikely to remain in Ukraine once the summer transfer window closes.

As reported by the London Standard last month, Palkin said: “This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs. We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment.

He will definitely move to a top European club this summer. When I was at Chelsea versus Everton on Monday, many people asked me about Sudakov.”