Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth says that the deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk to join Arsenal is being held up because a payment structure has not yet been agreed.
It has been reported that the Gunners have held ‘very positive talks’ with Shakhtar Donetsk over the potential signing of Mudryk, and the player would be ‘very disappointed’ if a deal fell through.
Mikel Arteta’s side have reportedly already had two bids worth £52m and £62m in total rejected by Shakhtar, with his current employers valuing him closer to £88m.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth says that the hold-up in the deal is down to the structure of payment, in terms of how much the North London club are willing to pay up front and in performance-related add-ons and incentives, and how realistic and achievable that they are:
“The information that I’m getting is that it’s coming down to the structure of the deal in terms of how much Arsenal would be willing to pay upfront in performance-related add-ons and incentives and how realistic and achievable, as far as Shakhtar are concerned, those conditions will be. So, I think talks are continuing.”
TIF thoughts on the Mudryk saga…
The Mudryk saga has gone on a little too far for some supporters’ liking, with Shakhtar posting images of him back in training on their official Twitter page on Wednesday morning.
With crucial games against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United to come in the Premier League, the lack of attacking depth will be a worry with both Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson out, and Emile Smith Rowe just coming back from injury.
Hailed by Gunners legend Kevin Campbell as a player who would be ‘devastating‘ in Arteta’s system , the winger is enjoying an outstanding breakthrough season, scoring ten goals and making a further eight assists in just 18 games in total over all competitions so far this season, including five goal contributions in the coveted UEFA Champions League (Transfermarkt).
He has reached a top speed of 36.6km/h in the Champions League, higher than any other player in the competition and only matched by Everton’s Anthony Gordon in the Premier League, and so the Ukraine international is capable of really frightening defenders in the top flight, should he make the move.