Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk admits he has been ‘studying English for a long time’ amid reports linking the Ukraine international with Premier League duo Arsenal and Newcastle United, speaking to Bombadier on YouTube.
It’s fair to say Shakhtar’s £85 million asking price has not gone down particularly well in Mudryk’s camp.
The 21-year-old winger admitted this week that he was ‘very upset’ after hearing that the Ukrainian giants were asking for a 100 million euro fee, fearing that such a demand could put off high-profile suitors such as Arsenal, Newcastle United or Real Madrid.
Mudryk, dubbed the third-best left-winger around behind Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, hopes to join a club in one of Europe’s most high-profile leagues in 2023.
And a decent grasp of English will obviously ease Mudryk’s adaptation should he eventually end up at the Emirates or St James’ Park.
“I have given maybe a dozen interviews in English,” the one-time Brentford target points out. “I’ve been studying English for a long time.”
Mudryk, who has eight goals and eight assists in all competitions this season, shone in the Champions League group-stages; ripping RB Leipzig to shreds before scoring a pair of superb individual goals against Celtic.
According to iNews, Newcastle United are weighing up £50 million bid. The Magpies may have to return to the drawing board, however, with Shakhtar using the eye-watering fee Manchester United paid for Brazilian speedster Antony as something of a reference point for a player who looks certain to become their most expensive export of all time. 
Mudryk, meanwhile, is making no secret of his interest in a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
“I check on Arsenal and know when they’re playing I can check on them,” Mudryk says. “I also watch them too. (Arsenal are) a very dynamic side.
“If there was the option of being a bench player for Real Madrid or a starter for Arsenal? I’d probably choose Arsenal.
“One surprise for me was how many Arsenal fans followed me (on social media). No other club’s fans have interacted as much as them. Telling me that they are waiting for me. Saying; ‘Come to us’. One of my recent posts has over 500 comments saying that.”
