Transfer Centre

Shakhtar Donetsk confirm Mykhaylo Mudryk "very close" to Chelsea move

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 14 January 2023

Shakhtar Donetsk confirm that Chelsea are "very close" to the signing of Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk for a rumoured €100m (£88.6m).

Shakhtar Donetsk have confirmed that Chelsea are "very close" to the signing of Ukrainian attacker Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The 21-year-old was originally expected to make the move to the Blues' London rivals Arsenal, who have been in talks with Shakhtar for a number of weeks.

The Gunners are believed to have seen two bids rejected by Shakhtar, who have been holding out for a total package of €100m (£88.6m) to sanction Mudryk's sale.

The player himself has let it be known that he is keen on a move to the Emirates, dropping several hints on social media as negotiations rumble on in the background.

Arsenal had apparently agreed personal terms with Mudryk, but having refused to meet Shakhtar's asking price, Chelsea quickly swooped in to conclude a deal.

Mykhaylo Mudryk celebrates scoring for Shakhtar Donetsk against Celtic on October 25, 2022 © Reuters

Reports earlier on Saturday stated that the Blues had agreed a deal worth an initial €70m (£62.1m) to sign Mudryk, as well as a possible €30m (£26.6m) in performance-related add-ons.

The agreement was struck during a meeting between Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali in Poland, and the Ukrainian side have now confirmed that the player's switch to West London is imminent.

"FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali discussed Mykhailo Mudryk's transfer to Chelsea FC today," a statement read. "Parties are very close to agree on player's transfer to the club."

Mudryk is now understood to be on his way to the UK as Chelsea aim to finalise personal terms with the attacker, who will be offered a seven-year contract until 2030.

Arsenal are said to have been taken aback by the scale of Chelsea's bid for Mudryk, who has taken part in Shakhtar's winter training camp in Turkey despite the speculation surrounding his future.

Mkhaylo Mudryk celebrates scoring for Shakhtar Donetsk against RB Leipzig on September 6, 2022 © Reuters

The 21-year-old has amassed 10 goals and eight assists from 18 appearances in all competitions during the 2021-22 season, including three goals and two assists from six Champions League outings.

The eight-cap Ukraine international's total for Shakhtar stands at 12 goals and 17 assists from 44 games, and he would become Chelsea's fifth signing of a hectic winter window.

Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Joao Felix have already arrived at Stamford Bridge, although the latter is serving a three-game domestic ban after being sent off on his debut against Fulham.

Mudryk could make his debut for Chelsea when they face Liverpool on January 21, before which Graham Potter's side will aim to end a three-game losing run against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.