Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, football.london understands.
football.london reported last month that the Ukrainian giants had rejected the north London club's opening offer of around £55million for the 22-year-old before several reports claimed that this was followed up by a second bid, which was also rebuffed. Now, it is understood that the move is edging closer to completion, with negotiations heading in the right direction for the 22-year-old, who Shakhtar have publicly valued at around £88 million.
Speaking to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Shakhtar vice director Carlo Nicolini said: "€60million (£53million) it's not enough to sign Mudryk. Our director said that we need a bid closer to the Jack Grealish fee (£100million) than Antony (£86million) to sell Mudryk.
READ MORE: What Mykhaylo Mudryk did after Arsenal send Shakhtar Donetsk third transfer offer
"We're not even considering a bid with €40million (£35million) as a fixed fee." The aforementioned report goes on to claim that Arsenal's initial payment is likely to be more than £50 million but there is yet to be a final agreement between the two European sides.
If the two teams do eventually agree on a fee, it is no secret that personal terms will be no issue considering Mudryk's thoughts on the Gunners. Speaking about Mikel Arteta's side during an interview on YouTube, he said "Yeah. I check on them in 'myscore' and know when they’re playing I can check on them.
"I also watch them too. (Arsenal are) a very dynamic side, in general not just in controlling possession but also in scoring goals."
However, Mudryk won't be able to make his debut in this weekend's North London Derby unless he is registered by midday today (Friday) as per the Premier League regulations.
Their rules state: "Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match)."
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