ARSENAL target Mykhaylo Mudryk could win the Ballon d’Or in the future, his former manager has claimed.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi coached Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk before the outbreak of war in Ukraine saw him leave the club.
And ahead of facing the Gunners on Saturday, the Italian has made a bold prediction about his former player.
De Zerbi said: “I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future.
“[It is] a very important transfer and I know the value of Mudryk and he has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.
“Mudryk is a fantastic player but Brighton can’t buy him.
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“All my ex-players I like but I am Brighton coach and Brighton can’t buy him.”
Mudryk, 21, made 19 appearances under De Zerbi for the Ukrainian club, scoring twice and laying on nine assists.
The Gunners have seen their opening bid of £35million, plus another £17.5m in add-ons, knocked back by Shakhtar.
Shakhtar chiefs have admitted that talks are continuing over a deal for Arsenal’s No1 target.
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However, Mikel Arteta may have to push the boat out with the asking price still firm at around £85m.
Shakhtar sporting director Darijo Srna has even claimed that it could take the same £100m fee Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish to agree a deal, though the Gunners are hopeful of a much lower agreement.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
