CHELSEA are set to hold advanced talks with Shakhtar Donetsk’s chief this week over the transfer of Mykhailo Mudryk, according to reports.
SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday that the Blues are attempting to hijack the 21-year-old Ukrainian winger’s expected transfer to Arsenal.
ReutersChelsea want to hijack Mykhailo Mudryk’s transfer to Arsenal[/caption]
Arsenal’s latest bid of £62million is still well short of Shakhtar’s asking price.
And Chelsea will hope to pounce with negotiations set to take place this week.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Shakhtar Donetsk club director Darijo Srna will be in London and is expected to attend Chelsea’s home clash with Manchester City tomorrow.
It is thought the two clubs will discuss a possible deal for Mudryk in the next 24 hours.
Should Chelsea meet Shakhtar’s asking price – around £60m with a further £20m in add-ons – and beat Arsenal’s contract offer, they could land the exciting youngster.
Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Mudryk for £120,000 per week across five years.
Mudryk has made no secret of his desire to join the Gunners – openly admitting his admiration for the club and posting photos watching their recent matches.
But with Srna in London, Arsenal will hope to continue talks and land their No1 target this month.
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Chelsea are also interested in Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
But with the Argentine likely to cost at least £105m, it is unlikely even Todd Boehly will sanction mega-money moves for both stars.