Chelsea 'reach Mykhailo Mudryk agreement' as they hijack Arsenal move, player set to travel to UK

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for Mykhailo Mudryk after submitting a big-money bid for the Arsenal target, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal have lodged three bids for the 22-year-old, with Romano previously revealing the third bid as being worth €70 million plus €25 million in add-ons.

The winger has dropped a number of hints that he is willing to join the Gunners, and has pictured himself watching Arteta's side on more than one occasion in the last month.

Shakhtar's asking price was set at €100 million before the transfer window, with club director Darijo Srna telling The Athletic that the Ukrainian side wanted to be shown 'respect' during negotiations.

And on Friday evening, The Times' Gary Jacob reported that Arsenal were confident of sealing a deal for a fee of around £80 million - and that there has been an 'acceptance' from the selling club that a transfer would be completed.

However, new reports confirm that Arsenal now have some serious competition.

Chelsea set to bid for Mykhailo Mudryk

Romano reported earlier today that the Chelsea board have travelled to Poland and were attempting to hijack Arsenal's move for Mudryk.

The prominent journalist tweeted: "Chelsea board now in Poland trying to reach verbal agreement with Shakhtar for Mudryk and hijack the deal! Official bid ready close to €100m.

"Arsenal always been leading the race, in talks with Shakhtar after third official bid. Mudryk's position, now crucial."

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea board now in Poland trying to reach verbal agreement with Shakhtar for Mudryk and hijack the deal! Official bid ready close to €100m. 🔵 #CFC

Arsenal always been leading the race, in talks with Shakhtar after 3d official bid.

Mudryk position, now crucial. pic.twitter.com/CwWWerfoQ8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 14, 2023

Romano has since revealed on his YouTube channel that the 22-year-old will travel to the UK tonight to discuss the details of a move, with Chelsea keen to seal personal terms and a long-term deal for the player. He adds that the Blues have reached an agreement with the Ukrainian giants.

However, Arsenal could still seal a move for the player themselves, with Romano revealing that the player still wants to join the Gunners.

Chelsea have been linked with an interest in Mudryk since the window opened at the beginning of January, and director Srna was pictured at Stamford Bridge during the Blues' 1-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.

Graham Potter's side have already showcased that they have money to spend in January, signing Joao Felix on a fee-paying loan and defender Benoit Badashile from Monaco for £35 million.