Sources: Latest on Arsenal & Chelsea race to sign Mudryk after ‘huge’ new offer
Arsenal are confident Mykhaylo Mudryk still wants to join them even though Chelsea have offered him a more lucrative contract, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League leaders have agreed personal terms with the Shakhtar Donetsk sensation but have been unable to agree a fee with his club.
Arsenal have had two bids rejected by Shakhtar in recent days, but now face strong competition from big-spending Chelsea.
Arsenal have held extensive talks with Mudryk, 21, and believe he wants to join them ahead of Chelsea despite being offered what one source said was a “huge” contract by the west London club.
Arsenal’s offer is worth over £50million including bonuses and add-ons based on appearances, but falls short of the asking price of the Ukrainian side.
Shakhtar have publicly valued Mudryk at £88m, in response to the deals taking Jack Grealish to Manchester City (from Aston Villa) and Antony to Manchester United (from Ajax).
However, the Ukranian club have accepted they will have to sell Mudryk, even though he has a contract until 2026.
Shakhtar finished third in their Champions League group, dropping into the Europa League, on the back of a series of dazzling displays from the winger.
He combined five goals and assists in six groups and convinced his English suitors to make a move for him.
Mudryk, is a long-term target for Arsenal and has publicly declared his interest in joining them on multiple occasions.
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