Arsenal make improved offer for Mudryk - Shakthar star set to break Shevchenko’s records

This article first appeared on December 27 and has been updated with new information.

Arsenal are apparently very serious in their attempt to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk. The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano report that the Gunners have submitted an official offer to Shakhtar Donetsk for their star winger. The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to North London for a few months now.

According to Romano, the first offer was €40 million plus €20m in possible add-ons. The Athletic mentioned similar amounts, but reported of as much as €25m in potential bonus payments. This bid had later been rejected by the Ukrainian top club, as The Athletic reported. Now, Arsenal have submitted an improved offer, according to The Guardian, who also mention Chelsea as possible destination for the player should a move to the Emirates fall through. The total volume of any deal would represent a record sale for Shakhtar. Currently, Fred, who joined Manchester United for €59m in 2018, tops that ranking. Mudryk would also rank among the ten most expensive Arsenal signings in history.

Shakhtar, however, want to earn much more than the rumoured fee with Mudryk, who is still under contract in Ukraine until 2026. “If someone wants him, they will have to pay a lot of money,” sporting director Darijo Srna said a few weeks ago. So, is €40m enough to buy him? “We are not talking at these figures,” deputy general manager Carlo Nicolini said a short time later. “Not even for €50m, we do not even call the president, with such an offer. We value Mudryk higher than Antony of Manchester United, for whom €100m were paid.”

Mudryk fires up Arsenal rumours - Soon most expensive Ukrainian ever?

Mudryk himself fired up the rumours on Monday night when he shared in an Instagram story how he watched Arsenal’s match against West Ham. Asked about it, head coach Mikel Arteta did not want to comment. “You know that I never speak about players who are not with us,” Arteta said after the 3-1 win. “We said that we will try and find ways to strengthen the team if we find the right players and that’s what I can say.”

Shevchenko first The most expensive Ukrainians in history Click here for overview Mudryk, who was directly involved in 18 goals in 18 games across all competitions this season, including in five in the Champions League, is by far the most valuable player in the Premier Liga with a market value of €40m. Historically, among all footballers from Ukraine, only Andriy Shevchenko was ever valued higher than the winger. In the last update at the beginning of December, the eight-time international had received an upgrade of a whopping €25m. In case of a transfer, Mudryk would almost certainly surpass his fellow countryman as the most expensive Ukrainian in history as well. Shevchenko cost €43.9m when he joined Chelsea from AC Milan in 2006.