Arsenal have not been put off by last January’s Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer saga and have reportedly maintained contact with Shakhtar Donetsk as they eye a potential deal for the Ukrainian clubs’ next big talent Georgiy Sudakov.
According to Tutto Juve, Sudakov has impressed Arsenal scouts and is among the growing list of central midfield targets at the Emirates Stadium heading into the winter transfer window. The Italian publication claims that his impressive form has left him in the sights of several top European clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, Chelsea and Juventus.
He has scored three goals and grabbed one assist in 15 matches so far this season. While he is predominantly deployed as an attacking midfielder he can also play as a box-to-box midfielder and a winger.
The 21-year-old midfielder is a 12-cap Ukraine international and established himself as a regular starter for Donetsk last season. He has made 79 appearances for his boyhood club as a senior, scoring 13 goals and laying on 13 assists.
Donetsk haven’t set an official price tag on the youngster but as we know from the Mudryk deal, club president Rinat Akhmetov is a tough negotiator and will look to squeeze out as much money as possible for his players.
Arsenal were the favourites to snap up the Ukrainian star last year but Chelsea outflanked their London rivals with a bid of £88.5million for their top winter target. The Gunners had been willing to pay the £62m Chelsea paid up front, but crucially the Blues offered £26.5m in add-ons, which the north Londoners were not willing to match.
Arsenal had been in constant communication with the player and it was said that Mudryk was set on joining the club. However, an improved offer from Chelsea was enough for Donetsk and Mudryk to turn their attention elsewhere.
Arsenal will be hoping they won’t get hijacked again if they choose to step up their interest in Sudakov but with Chelsea lurking once again there is always a possibility that the transfer fee could get drummed up.
