Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Sam Hill

Mykhaylo Mudryk delivers major Cristiano Ronaldo verdict amid Arsenal transfer admission

Arsenal transfer target Mykhaylo Mudryk has admitted he idolises Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mikel Arteta was keen to add a new winger to his squad in the summer transfer window, with the Shakhtar Donetsk winger having been linked with the Gunners. Mudryk is considered one of the brightest talents in Europe and has been dubbed the 'Ukrainian Neymar' in his homeland.

The 21-year-old has registered five goal contributions in his first five appearances so far this season but was kept quiet by Arsenal's Kieran Tierney when Scotland beat Ukraine 3-0 at Hampden Park during the international break. Mudryk has made his desire to join the Gunners public in a series of recent interviews ahead of the January transfer window after Arsenal were priced out of a move for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger in the summer.

READ MORE: Arsenal's best Premier League squad after the international break as summer signing misses out

The 21-year-old has admitted in the past that he wants a move to the Premier League and praised Arteta and his side. Speaking to CBS Sports, Mudryk said: "My dream is to play in Premier League, of course. Arsenal is a very good team, very good manager - so from my side, I can’t say no to Arsenal!"

It's unclear whether the Gunners will in fact make a move for the Ukraine international during the January transfer window, but Mudryk would significantly boost their chances of finishing inside the Premier League top four. Arteta could look to bring in his very own 'Cristiano Ronaldo' after the 21-year-old revealed in an interview with The Times that he mirrors his game on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Mudryk said: “It’s more comfortable for me when I play on the line where I can show all my potential one against one. I have more space to move to the front and I can create a lot more chances when I play on the line.

"There are more people in the middle. But, you know, the middle is also OK for me. My inspiration is Cristiano Ronaldo because of what you can do if you work hard and believe in yourself.

"I like the way Cristiano plays. I see myself like that - a winger. But I need more time to change my position from 11 or 7 to 9. With time it is possible.”

Mudryk's versatility would be a welcome addition at Arsenal where they deploy a fluid attacking style with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all able to play in any position across the front three. Mikel Arteta's options are a little light for numbers in some forward areas and with a busy fixture schedule this season due to the 2022 World Cup being played in November, a move for Mudryk would make sense and could be revisited when the window reopens in January.

READ NEXT:

Saka surprise, Xhaka masterclass, Saliba praised as Arsenal youngster earns second promotion

Robbie Fowler disagrees with Darren Bent and Ivan Toney over Gabriel Magalhaes Arsenal comment

Thomas Partey returns to Arsenal early as Ghana deliver injury update

Wilfried Zaha makes Arsenal admission amid Mikel Arteta transfer interest and Chelsea links

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.