ARSENAL are confident of beating Chelsea to Mykhailo Mudryk – amid claims he watches their games and team-mates joke he’s already joined.
The Ukraine winger, 21, has reportedly held talks with the Gunners after admitting his keenness to join.
GettyArsenal remain favourites to sign Shakhtar’s Ukraine wideman Mudryk[/caption]
But it’s thought Chelsea are lining up a huge offer as Shakhtar hold out for their £85million asking price.
Sky Sports claim the Blues plan to meet the Ukrainian giants this week.
And Shakhtar officials are already thought to be in London.
The Mail suggest Arsenal will be unsuccessful with a £62m bid – after having an opening offer of around £52m rejected.
But the Gunners still have “growing optimism” they’ll clinch a deal for a player Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi rates a potential Ballon d’Or winner.
Arsenal expect to agree personal terms with Mudryk, who has previously stated he “can’t say no” to the Premier League leaders.
The Gunners are tipped to eventually go far closer to £85m, if needed.
Sky Sports pundit Mark McAdam revealed Mudryk has been watching Arsenal games in anticipation of a move.
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And when asked about his ambitions by CBS’ Ben Jacobs, the eight-cap wideman said: “I think every guy dreams about the Premier League.”
And questioned about which club, he added: “It’s hard to say but Arsenal is a very good team, very good coach. I like the way they play.
“I’m at Shakhtar and I want to play in this team. I love this team. But in the winter we will see.”