Mykhaylo Mudryk has once again expressed his admiration for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal while suggesting that he would choose the Premier League leaders over Manchester City, speaking to Ukrainian publication Sport Arena.
One of the most coveted players on the continent right now; the Shakhtar Donetsk talisman ‘dreams of reaching the top level’. His words, not ours. Some would say, of course, that he’s already there.
Mudryk has scored or assisted four goals in just two games in the Champions League group-stages this term; roasting Celtic’s backline after tearing RB Leipzig apart in a game that cost Domenico Tedesco his job at the Bundesliga outf it.
Now, sporadic European action is all well and good. But the jet-heeled 21-year-old has the burning desire to strut his stuff at the very top level week-in, week-out. And, to do that, he will have to leave the relatively small pond that is Ukrainian football. Not that Mudryk will be short of opportunities to do just that, of course.
Everton have already failed with a £25 million bid. Leeds United, West Ham, Newcastle, Wolves and co scouted him during Ukraine’s 3-0 Nations League defeat to Scotland at Hampden Park (90Min).
Arsenal, meanwhile, have held talk with Mudryk’s representatives, per Fabrizio Romano. It remains to be seen, however, if they are willing to meet a minimum price-tag of around £44 million.
“I think that many young football players dream of getting to the top level. I’m no exception,” Mudryk says, expressing his admiration for an in-form Arsenal for the second time this month alone.
“I repeat, I have a valid contract with Shakhtar. And I am focused on fulfilling the tasks set by the club.
“Of course, if there is an opportunity, I watch (to play in) matches in the top championships. Bayern Munich are playing very powerfully and strongly. Manchester City always play great football.
“But I have great admiration for the style of Arsenal; a talented coach, young, individually strong players who play good and modern football.”
Mudryk, dubbed Europe’s third-best left-winger behind only Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, told CBS Sports a couple of week ago that he would struggle to ‘say no’ if Arsenal were to firm up their interest.
