ARSENAL are confident of beating Chelsea to Mykhailo Mudryk – amid claims he watches their games and team-mates joke he’s already joined.
The Ukraine winger, 21, has reportedly held talks with the Gunners after admitting he’s keen to make the move.
But it’s thought Chelsea are lining up a huge offer as Shakhtar hold out for their £85million asking price.
Sky Sports claim the Blues plan to meet the Ukrainian giants this week.
And Shakhtar officials are already thought to be in London.
The Mail suggest Arsenal will be unsuccessful with a £62m bid – after having an opening offer of around £52m rejected.
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But the Gunners still have “growing optimism” they’ll clinch a deal for a player Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi rates a potential Ballon d’Or winner.
CBS’ Ben Jacobs revealed Mudryk’s Shakhtar pals have joked since the summer he has already switched to the Emirates.
Jacobs also says the wideman is in “regular contact” with the Gunners’ Ukraine wing-back Oleksandr Zinchenko and watches “almost every Arsenal game”.
The Gunners expect to soon agree personal terms with Mudryk, who has previously stated he “can’t say no” to the Premier League leaders.
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But Arsenal are tipped to eventually need to bid far closer to £85m.
Wen asked about his ambitions by Jacobs early in the season, Mudryk said: “I think every guy dreams about the Premier League.”
And questioned about which club, he added: “It’s hard to say but Arsenal is a very good team, very good coach. I like the way they play.
“I’m at Shakhtar and I want to play in this team. I love this team. But in the winter we will see.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
