Arsenal have received a major boost in the race for Mykhalo Mudryk, with journalist David Ornstein reassuring Gunners fans that the North London side remain favourites to sign the Shakhtar Donetsk winger, amid interest from Chelsea.
The 22-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in 16 appearances this term, appears to be top of Mikel Arteta's shopping list this, having already submitted two bids to the Ukrainian club.
The latest of which was said to be in the region of £44million, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano. However, Shakhtar are thought to want £90million for the player's services.
Arsenal's path to the 21-year-old looked simple enough until London rivals Chelsea hijacked their plans, expressing their interest in the player.
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Arsenal "staying calm"
However, speaking ahead of Chelsea's game against Manchester City on Thursday night, The Athletic's David Ornstein stated that the North London club "will get this done".
“Arsenal’s interest remains strong. I think they’re staying calm. They’ll continue the conversations and there is optimism within The Emirates that with patience, they will get this done, given that the player has said he’d like to join them. His priority though is the Premier League, and perhaps that’s where Chelsea get a taste for this,” Ornstein told NBC Sports.
“As I understand it, Chelsea are monitoring the situation. They’re interested in all top young players, if the price is right and that’s the problem here with Shakhtar. They are not budging on that £100m Euro valuation," he continued.
“I think this one might play out over the window. In fact some of them from Shakhtar are coming here tonight to watch the match. But I do think Arsenal are in a superior position. And I don’t think they’ll be too concerned at this point about a potential hijack from Chelsea.”
The comments will instil confidence within Arsenal fans who have been joking that Mudryk will join Chelsea, as the Blues tend to get the better of Arsenal in the transfer window.
Chelsea keen to hijack Arsenal's plans
The Sun's Jack Rosser originally reported that Darijo Srna, a current director of the club and former right-back, would meet with Chelsea chiefs in London this week. However, neither side appear willing to match the £90million asking price.
It has been widely reported that the player would prefer a move to Arsenal, but Chelsea are thought have the financial backing to trump whatever Arsenal can offer.
If the Gunners are to get their man, they will have to dig deep into their pocket, with Chelsea seemingly ready to pounce on Mudryk should they get the chance.
Arsenal are also thought to have their eyes on Portugal star Joao Felix, as the 23-year-old seeks a way out of Atletico Madrid following a fall-out with manager Diego Simeone.
Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United have launched a bid for the player, once again hijacking Arsenal's transfer plans.
Topics: Mykhaylo Mudryk, Arsenal, Chelsea, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Graham Potter, Shakhtar Donetsk
Joe Adams