Transfer Centre

Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhaylo Mudryk drops hint over Arsenal transfer

By Ben Sully | 12 January 2023

Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhaylo Mudryk drops a hint that he could be nearing a move to Arsenal, with talks ongoing over a potential transfer.

Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk has dropped a hint that he could sign for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen to bolster his attacking options, with Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson currently sidelined through injury.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for Mudryk, who has emerged as one of the club's main transfer targets.

Alongside Arsenal, Chelsea have been credited with showing an interest, but Joao Felix's recent arrival at Stamford Bridge could dissuade them from continuing their pursuit.

Arsenal are believed to have had bids of £55m and £62m rejected for the attacker, with Shakhtar said to be holding out for their £88m asking price.

Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhailo Mudryk in action with Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger on October 11, 2022 © Reuters

Although a deal is yet to be agreed, there is a belief that Arsenal are making progress in their attempts to sign the Ukraine international during the current transfer window.

A recent report has claimed that the Gunners have submitted a fresh offer, with the two sides allegedly close in their valuations.

With the interested parties seemingly working hard to reach an agreement, Mudryk has taken to social media to hint at a possible move.

The 22-year-old uploaded a photo of his cat to Instagram alongside a caption that read "my biggest cheerleader", but in the background, there appeared to be a mock-up image of Mudryk wearing an Arsenal shirt with a sign that featured his name.

🚨 Mykhaylo Mudryk's Instagram story today. 👀🔴⚪️

(📸 ig/mmudryk10) pic.twitter.com/1nNQPwwTKe
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 12, 2023

Mudryk has been attracting interest after putting in a number of impressive performances for Shakhtar, registering 10 goals and eight assists across 18 appearances this season.

In total, he has scored 12 goals and 17 appearances in 44 games for Shakhtar, and he is currently under contract until December 2026.

Mudryk has also made eight appearances for Ukraine, although he is yet to open his goalscoring account for his national side.

As well as targeting a move for Mudryk, Arsenal have been considering alternatives should they fail to land the winger, with Real Madrid's Eden Hazard and Porto's Pepe identified as possible options.

After beating Oxford United 3-0 on Monday to set up an FA Cup fourth-round tie with Manchester City, the Premier League leaders are currently preparing for a North London derby against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.