Even the toughest negotiations can come to a successful end. In the case of Mykhaylo Mudryk, such a thing is in the offing. According to information from our French partner editorial team Foot Mercato Arsenal FC and Shakhtar Donetsk have agreed in principle, only details on the performance-related bonus payments need to be clarified.
If everything goes smoothly – and it can be assumed that it will – a total of around 100 million euros will flow from London to the Ukraine. The Gunners would get their absolute dream player for it. For months Arsenal have been courting Mudryk, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise.
Steep climb
In the summer, Bayer Leverkusen tried it with the then comparatively unknown 22-year-old. Meanwhile, a 20 million transfer seemed within reach but Shakhtar repeatedly raised the transfer fee. With over 30 million, the Werkself said goodbye to poker. Leverkusen’s displeasure with Donetsk was palpable at the time, but six months later it can be said that the Ukrainians did everything right.
Because Mudryk used the past six months to once again increase its market value. In the domestic league, he has seven goals and six assists in twelve appearances. He was similarly successful in the Champions League with three goals and two assists in six games.
Arsenal are convinced that Mudryk, who appointed Shakhtar sporting director Darijo Srna last autumn as “best winger in the world behind Mbappé, Neymar and Vinícius” designated, will also convince in the Premier League. Especially as the 22-year-old will be joining a functioning squad, which can help him acclimatize and ease the pressure of having to function straight away.
How much patience is required?
It is not to be expected that Mudryk will be the undisputed regular player in the Arsenal system from the start. The young Ukrainian will need some time to internalize Mikel Arteta’s complex requirements. Especially since the coach will not dissolve his established and dominant wingers Gabriel Martinelli (21) and Bukayo Saka (21) without necessity.
Sooner or later, however, it is to be expected that Mudryk will prevail in London. For anything else, the 22-year-old is too talented, too athletic, too good at graduation. The most likely victim of the winger’s signing would then be Martinelli, who fills Mudryk’s regular left-wing position.
The Brazilian would then either find himself on the bench or move into the center of the attack. Because there is currently missing Gabriel Jesus (25) injured. However, since his representative Eddie Nketiah (23) is currently in top form, the bank location would be the more realistic scenario. In principle, however, it will be the case that all offensive players will have enough playing time due to the expected triple workload. Also to be prepared for this, Arsenal has tormented itself through the tough negotiations with Shakhtar.
This is how Arsenal could play soon
