‘It would be hard to say no’ – Shakhtar star admits Arsenal would be too hard to turn down

Everton interested too 

Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk has revealed that he couldn’t turn down a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window if such an offer were to arrive from the Premier League side. According to the Athletic, the 21-year-old forward was discussed among the club’s recruitment team in the summer window and a move could be put forward in the next transfer window. 

“I do dream (of the Premier League). I think every guy dreams about the Premier League,” Mudryk said in an interview with CBS Sport, when asked about interest from the London club. “Arsenal is a very good team with a very good coach. I like the way they play. Yes it would be hard to say no from my side, I can’t say no but the transfer is not only my decision and my word.”

According to the publication, initial discussions were had with the player’s representatives, but an offer was never forthcoming due to first team players in Mikel Arteta’s side returning from injury. However, with the departure of Nicolas Pépé on a season-long loan deal to Nice, Arsenal may be in the market for more long-term targets that could play on either wing after the winter break. 

Mudryk has undoubtedly caught the eye of many clubs, including Everton, due to his fantastic performances for the Ukrainian side. Last season the winger picked up two goals and seven assists in 11 games in the Premier Liga and has kicked off this season with one goal and three assists in his first four games in all competitions – including an outstanding performance against RB Leipzig in the Champions League which saw him bag a goal and two assists.

Such form on the pitch has naturally led to Mudryk’s market value flying through the roof, with an increase from just €900k in September 2021 to where it now stands now at €15 million. As such, the winger is now the second most valuable player in the Ukrainian top-flight, behind only Viktor Tsygankov at Dynamo Kyev with a market value of €25m. However, with a contract at Shakhtar that is set to run until 2026, Arsenal would likely have to pay far more to sign the player in a few months time. 

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