Arsenal technical director Edu has been warned that the Gunners face tough competition from Newcastle United for the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk. The 21-year-old was heavily linked with a move to north London in the summer as Mikel Arteta looked to further bolster his frontline.
The Gunners are said to have made contact with the top-flight Ukrainian club over the possibility of signing the winger. Arsenal are believed to be long-term admirers of Mudryk and contemplated tabling an offer in a bid to fend off interest from Everton, who reportedly had a €30million (£25.9million) verbal proposal snubbed.
A move away from Shakhtar failed to materialise, but now more clubs are said to be joining the transfer race. And, according to former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson, it will be 'a matter of time' before Mudryk lands a big move.
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"He looks like a real talent," Robinson told Football Insider. "To be putting in performances in the Champions League at his age says a lot."
Mudryk impressed for Shakhtar in a 1-1 draw with Celtic, with his goal securing his side a crucial point. The starlet showed frightening pace down the left before striking the ball into the roof of the net, following up his goal and two assists in the 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig the week prior.
"I’m sure there are a few clubs looking at him now," Robinson added. "It is only a matter of time before he leaves Shakhtar. They cannot keep rebuffing bids. There will be a figure that they have in mind. Newcastle would be an attractive proposition.
"I think they could do with another top winger. Obviously they have [Allan] Saint-Maximin but I’m not sure [Miguel] Almiron, [Jacob] Murphy and [Ryan] Fraser are going to get them to where they want to be. Mudryk is a player for now and the future. Howe is evolving that squad slowly. I think they will continue to develop over the next 12 months."
Last month, Mudryk confirmed that he would be willing to pen a deal with the Gunners. The Ukrainian said: "Yes. I think every guy dreams about the Premier League."
Then, when asked specifically about Arsenal, he added: "Yes, yes. It’s hard to say but Arsenal is a very good team. Very good coach, I like the way they play."
Arteta was eager to bolster his strike force in the summer with Yeremy Pino and Pedro Neto both linked with moves to London Colney. With some impressive talent potentially blocking a pathway into the Gunners for Mudryk, the youngster will doing everything it takes.
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