Personal terms agreed: Arsenal ‘agree fee’ for European star as January transfer talks reach ‘final stages’
Arsenal have agreed a fee with Shakhtar Donetsk to sign in-demand winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to TV journalist Rudy Galetti. The Gunners are said to be in the “final stages” of negotiations with the Ukrainian club after months of links over a switch for the 22-year-old.
Notoriously tough negotiators, Shakhtar put a valuation of £88.7million (€100million) on his signature ahead of the January transfer window – they are said to have quoted the transfer fees paid for the likes of Manchester United’s Antony and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish as barometers for Mudryk’s value. football.london understands that Arsenal made two bids in late December into early January, with the first one being in the region of £55million, before they were rejected.
The forward has since hinted plenty at a move to the Emirates Stadium in the coming weeks, dropping everything from posts on social media to media interviews. “I do dream (of the Premier League),” Mudryk told CBS on a potential transfer in the current window.
“I think every guy dreams about the Premier League. 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.”
Chelsea have since been linked with hijacking a move, with Shakhtar chief Darijo Srna spotted at Stamford Bridge for discussions with their hierarchy. However, it always seemed as though Mudryk had his heart set on Arsenal, with a move coming one step closer to fruition.
Galetti claims the overall fee agreed is between €85million (£75million) and €90million (£80million), with the final balance of fixed and add-ons being discussed. The Gunners will be hopeful of wrapping up a deal soon though, with some huge fixtures coming in the next few weeks.
