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Chelsea are reportedly considering hijacking Arsenal's bid to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in what would be a massive blow to Mikel Arteta's transfer plans.
Arsenal are currently in talks with Shakhtar for the highly-rated Ukraine international, who has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions this season.
The Athletic claim Arsenal have already had one bid worth up to €65m (£57m) rejected by Shakhtar.
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The north London side had offered to pay €40m up front for Mudryk with a further €25m in potential add-ons.
Shakhtar Donetsk director of football Darijo Srna had previously warned Arsenal that it would take a huge transfer fee to sign Mudryk.
It is claimed that the Ukrainian club are expecting to receive as much as €100m (£88m) for the 21-year-old winger.
Chelsea considering bid for Mudryk
Talks are ongoing between Arsenal and Shakhtar but negotiations could be complicated by Chelsea.
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The Guardian claim the west London club are considering a move for Mudryk, despite having already lined up a deal for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku to join in the summer.
The report claims Chelsea have also identified Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister as a potential January target if their move for his Argentina teammate Enzo Fernandez fails.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Chelsea are in talks with Benfica over Fernandez, who is believed to have a release clause of around £105 in his current contract.
"Chelsea are now in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez," tweeted Romano.
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"Chelsea want to offer huge fee instead of paying release clause in one solution. Benfica always asked full €120m clause.
"Understand Enzo already said yes to Chelsea. #LFC or #MUFC made no bid, as of now."
Arsenal keen to wrap up Mudryk deal
Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Serhii Palkin says negotiations remain ongoing with Arsenal and insists both clubs are working to reach a deal.
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"Talks for Mudryk are on. We receive offers, but not the ones we would like to see on our table,” he said, as reported by Romano.
"I'll speak again to Arsenal so yes, we are open to discuss fee and ideas. If we will agree, then let it be so. If we will not, then let it be another time."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Mykhaylo Mudryk, Football, Premier League, Chelsea, Arsenal, Transfers, Shakhtar Donetsk