"They say" - Romano shares what his "sources at Shakhtar" are saying about Arsenal's bid to sign Mudryk

Fabrizio Romano gave an update on Arsenal's chances of signing Ukrainian wonderkid Mykhailo Mudryk.

Mikel Arteta’s side have mounted an unlikely title challenge and currently sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The Gunners are keen to keep their title challenge alive by adding some extra depth in January, and Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mudryk is thought to be one of their transfer targets.

The 21-year-old has dazzled in the Champions League this term, having recorded three goals and two assists in his six appearances in the competition, and is now thought to be on the wish list of several of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Romano sheds light on Mudryk situation

Transfer guru Romano reiterated that Mudryk was keen on a Premier League move but that Shakhtar were still keen on retaining the winger.

Speaking to the House of Champions podcast Romano said: “He would love to go to the Premier League, that is not a secret. He would love to go, he was dreaming of Premier League football when Everton offered in August, Bournemouth have been interested as have Brentford.

“Arsenal have been interested. In August they wanted him. They had negotiations but no official bid in August because Shakhtar wanted more than €45m or €50m, but now it is way more than this. I understand it is more than €60/€65m for Mudryk to move in January.

“My sources at Shakhtar Donetsk tell me that there is no bid on the table, they say that ‘we know about the interest, we know they are keen on Mudryk in the future, but no official bid.’ It is on Arsenal now, the player would be open to moving in January because he wants a new experience in a new club.”

Mudryk speaks out on Gunners link

The Ukrainian spoke of the rumours touting him with a move to north London.

Speaking on Vlada Sedan’s YouTube channel, the wife of Arsenal left back, Oleksandr Zinchenko, he said: "Yeah. I check on them on MyScore and know when they’re playing I can check on them.

"I also watch them too. They are a very dynamic side, in general not just in controlling possession but also in scoring goals."

Mudryk explained that he would carefully consider the number of opportunities that would be on offer at his next club.

The 21-year-old continued: "From a purely hypothetical perspective if there was the option of being a bench player for Real Madrid or a starter for Arsenal, I’d probably choose Arsenal.

"But it’s a tough question and involves a lot of factors in my answer. I would first want to know from the head coach that even if I wasn’t a guaranteed starter, that I’d receive a chance.

"Essentially I need to hear directly from the manager what he envisages my role in his side to be."

Topics: Football, Premier League, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Transfers

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.