Chelsea prepared to sign Mykhailo Mudryk's close friend for crazy fee

Chelsea look set to splash the cash this summer as they have stepped up their interest for Mykhailo Mudryk's close friend.

Chelsea sealed the services of Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk for a whopping £88.5 million during the January transfer window in 2023.

And, according to widespread reports, the Premier League side are keeping tabs on another Shakhtar talent ahead of the transfer window reopening.

The Blues are keen on recruiting Georgiy Sudakov and have held talks with the representatives of the star midfielder.

The 21-year-old is thought to be rated around £65 million, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool all monitoring his development this season.

Chelsea, however, are believed to have held discussions with his representatives while Shakhtar chief Sergei Palkin was invited to Stamford Bridge to watch their league clash against Everton, which they won 6-0.

After the game, Palkin said: "This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs. We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment.

"He will definitely move to a top European club this summer. When I was at Chelsea versus Everton, many people asked me about Sudakov."

Georgiy Sudakov and Mykhailo Mudryk celebrate a Ukraine goal. Image: Getty

Sudakov is pals with Mudryk and has joked that his former teammate is missing him in London.

Mudryk has struggled for consistency since leaving Ukraine, scoring a measly four league goals in 44 matches.

As for Sudakov. he's contracted until 2028 and has a release clause of £125 million, which is active from June.

But Shakhtar are expected to consider sensible offers for their playmaker.

He has played 20 games across all competitions this season, scoring four goals.

He's been capped 12 times by his national team and has one goal on the international scene.