Arsenal delay in securing Mudryk transfer explained as negotiations continue
Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk are reportedly close to agreeing a transfer fee ahead of Mykhaylo Mudryk's proposed move to the Emirates.
The Gunners are hoping to sign Mudryk, 22, during the January transfer window but face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea. The Ukrainian winger has made no secret of his desire to work under Mikel Arteta, despite interest from Graham Potter's side.
Arsenal and Shakhtar, who have slapped a €100million (£88m) price tag on Mudryk, have been locked in talks for weeks - yet it seems a resolution is just around the corner. Chelsea, meanwhile, are now set to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid instead.
According to Sport Arena, Arsenal and Shakhtar are close to agreeing a fee for Mudryk. It's believed to sticking point is not the amount, but how the payments will be made.
The Gunners reportedly want add-ons to be at least 30 per cent of the total fee. Shakhtar, however, are insisting on a maximum of 20 per cent. That would mean Arsenal would need to stump up more money up front, which could be a slight problem.
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Arsenal have already had two offers rejected by Shakhtar, but Mudryk has agreed personal terms and will sign a contract if a fee is agreed. The talent has liked several posts linking him with the Gunners on Instagram and even described Arteta as a "top coach".
Mykhaylo Mudryk's proposed move to Arsenal is edging closer (Getty Images)Do you think Arsenal will sign Mykhaylo Mudryk? Let us know in the comments below!
Shakhtar are demanding a significant fee for Mudryk after seeing Antony make a £85m move from Ajax to Manchester United last summer. It's thought that transfer has inflated the market, as Shakhtar believe Mudryk is just as talented as the Brazilian.
Shakhtar director director Carlo Nicolini recently said: "Given that we have no need for transfers, we said in due time that we evaluate the player stronger than some other profiles, such as Antony. This is the benchmark."
Arsenal's interest in Mudryk is unsurprising considering his recent form. The eight-cap international, who still has four years remaining on his existing deal, has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in 24 appearances for Shakhtar this season.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their attack after losing Gabriel Jesus to a knee injury. The Brazilian, who sustained the complaint at the recent World Cup in Qatar, is not expected to make his comeback until February - at the earliest - following surgery.
If Mudryk completes his move to the Emirates, he will join Arsenal during one of the most exciting periods in their recent history. They are five points clear of Manchester City in second at the top of the Premier League table with 21 games left in the campaign.
The Gunners have also reached the last 16 of the Europa League and the fourth round of the FA Cup, although they face a daunting trip to the Etihad in the latter competition. Nevertheless, Arsenal fans have plenty of reasons to be cheerful right now.
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