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Arsenal have been told that transfer target Mykhaylo Mudryk is a "future Ballon d’Or winner" as they look to complete a move for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger.
Arsenal are in talks with Shakhtar to sign the highly-rated Ukraine international in January.
The Athletic claim Mikel Arteta's side have already had one bid worth up to €65m (£57m) rejected by Shakhtar for Mudryk, who has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in 18 games for the Ukrainian club this season.
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It is claimed that Arsenal had offered to pay €40m up front for Mudryk with a further €25m in potential add-ons.
Shakhtar are under no pressure to sell the winger, who is under contract until 2026, and are reportedly expecting to receive as much as €100m (£88m) for the 21-year-old.
Chelsea interested in Mudryk
Negotiations are ongoing between Arsenal and Shakhtar but could be complicated by Chelsea, who are reportedly considering a move for Mudryk.
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The Guardian claim the west London club could hijack Arsenal’s attempts to sign the winger next month.
Premier League leaders Arsenal next face Brighton on Saturday and will come up against former Shakhtar head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who is now in charge of the Seagulls.
The Italian left the Ukrainian club in July as a result of Russia's invasion of the country and was later appointed Brighton boss following Graham Potter's move to Chelsea.
'Mudryk could win the Ballon d'Or'
De Zerbi worked with Mudryk during his time in Ukraine and the Brighton boss believes the winger has the potential to become the best player in world football.
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"Mudryk is a fantastic player, but Brighton can’t buy him," said De Zerbi.
"I like him, because I like all my ex-players. But Brighton can’t buy him, Arsenal, I don’t know.
"I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk, he has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or."
Topics: Arsenal, Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Football, Premier League, Transfers, Brighton And Hove Albion
Rory O'Callaghan