“The headlights are on him” - Club director confirms Arsenal interest in €100m starlet - he’s dangerous

Arsenal are keen on signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to a director of the Ukrainian giants - and he has already received the seal of approval from a Gunners legend.

Mudryk has been a long-term target of the Gunners, with reports of their interest first circling in the summer months.

Shakhtar had already turned down Premier League interest in the 21-year-old. Football Insider claimed that Brentford had a bid rejected in the region of £26 million for the player on deadline day.

Mudryk stayed at his current club, and has had a superb start to the Ukrainian Premier League season. He has three goals and five assists in six appearances.

In addition, the Ukrainian starlet has impressed in the Champions League. He scored in both of his side's group stage clashes against Celtic. Meanwhile, versus RB Leipzig, the 21-year-old found the net and provided two assists in a 4-2 win.

Shakhtar will progress to the knockout stages if they defeat Leipzig at home on the final matchweek of the group stage, and Mudryk is a crucial part of why they are still in with a chance.

Therefore, the club are desperate not to sell him - and have placed a large price tag on the winger. However, a club director has confirmed that interest exists, particularly from Arsenal.

Arsenal keen on signing Mudryk

Speaking to Calciomercato, Shakhtar's deputy sporting director, Carlo Nicolini, confirmed that 'the headlights are on' Mudryk when it comes to interest from other clubs.

However, he also added that they are so far not negotiating with Italian clubs, who are not meeting their valuation of the player.

He added: "There are many English candidates, there is the Spanish, the French, but now it takes the right amount to take him away.

"Together with Mbappe, Leao, Vinicius, Mudryk is the strongest player in that role.

"Is €40 million enough to buy him? We do not speak to these figures. Not even for 50. We don't even call the president to make the offer.

"We value Mudryk more than Manchester United's Antony, who cost €100 million.

"Floating between Arsenal and Manchester City? They are two teams that have taken an interest in the player. But there are also other clubs that can spend right away."

Mudryk has been praised by high-profile figures in football - not least Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Speaking on CBS Sports earlier in October after Shakhtar's 2-1 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, in which Mudryk starred, Henry said (quotes via HITC): "I have seen him play for Ukraine and he was pretty impressive.

"I like his directness. I get annoyed sometimes when wingers always come to the ball."

He later added: "I always like that he plays one v one. He's a good player."