Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal transfer: Rejected offer, player’s stance, Shakhtar Donetsk valuation

Arsenal continue to search for a new attacker ahead of the January transfer window, and it seems they are keen on one more than any other.

The Gunners need to add depth to their front line, and it seems a winger is the priority heading into the January window, with Mikel Arteta wanting to add competition for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Recent reports suggest Mykhaylo Mudryk is the chosen one, and Arsenal are already looking to get a head start in the race to land the Ukrainian.

Here we round up what we know so far about the possible transfer.

Latest report

In his latest update, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Shakhtar Donetsk have confirmed to Arsenal that they will not accept their opening official bid for Mudryk, worth €40m + €20m. It has been turned down, as reported on Monday. But Arsenal are still in contact with Shakhtar and player side, negotiations will continue.”

Shakhtar valuation

Shakhtar chief Carlo Nicolini spoke about Mudryk’s value back in October. He said: “Together with Kylian Mbappe, Rafa Leao and Vinicius Jr, Mudryk is the strongest player in his role. Is £35m enough to buy him? We don’t speak for these figures, not even for £45m, we don’t even call the president to make the offer.

“We value Mudryk more than United’s Antony - £85m. Arsenal and Man City? They are two teams that have taken an interest in the player. But there are also other clubs that can spend right away. We are not obliged to sell, we do not want to lose phenomena...in this team, he is the most decisive. If you want to take on certain players who make a difference in the top clubs, you also need the right money.”

‘Cautious optimism’

According to the latest report from Sky Sports, Arsenal are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about signing Mudryk despite seeing their opening offer rejected.

It’s claimed the Gunners are spurred on by the player’s desire to join the club, and they believe they can use that motivation to strike a deal with the Ukrainian club. There is said to be interest from elsewhere in Europe, but Arsenal are the only club to make a serious bid at this point, and they have not been deterred by seeing their offer rejected, it seems.