SHAKHTAR DONETSK are set to reject Arsenal’s improved £62million bid for Mykhailo Mudryk, according to reports.
The Ukrainian has emerged as the Gunners’ No1 January target.
Arsenal launched a £52m opening bid for the winger, which was promptly rejected.
And according to the Mail, their follow up £62m offer will also be turned down.
Shakthar value their prized asset at around £88m.
And Chelsea entering the race has only strengthened their bargaining position.
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The Blues are yet to make an official bid for Mudryk, but are set to open talks for his signature this week.
Shakhtar chief Darijo Srna is in London and is expected to attend Chelsea’s clash with Manchester City tomorrow.
A bid of £60m plus £20m in add-ons could be enough for the Blues to beat Arsenal to signing Mudryk.
Shakhtar believe an offer in this region to be a fair price, given the fees paid for Jack Grealish (£100m) and Antony (£85.5m) in recent seasons.
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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.
Should the Gunners fail to stump up the cash, however, he could find himself heading to West London instead.
Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin is claimed to be in contact with both Arsenal and Chelsea as he aims to get the biggest fee possible.
Chelsea are also keen on Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.
But Benfica’s eye-watering £112m price tag could prevent the Blues from signing both he and Mudryk.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
