Arsenal are unwilling to enter into a bidding war with Chelsea as the clubs battle to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Mudryk is Arsenal’s top target for the January transfer window and the Gunners have already seen two offers turned down for the 21-year-old.
The north Londoners remain confident that Mudryk wants to move to the Emirates, but now face competition from Chelsea who have entered the race for his services.
According to the Telegraph, Chelsea are confident that the club will be able to outbid Arsenal for Mudryk, who is valued in the region of £88m at the Ukrainian side. Chelsea’s interest could accelerate after the Blues saw Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic injured during the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Thursday evening.
Arsenal are reluctant to overpay for Mudryk, but remain keen on a deal to bring the winger to the Premier League. Their latest offer was worth around £55m including add-ons. The Gunners’ stance comes after previous disappointments in the transfer market, notably the £72m signing of Nicolas Pepe from Lille.
Mudryk has attracted significant interest after an outstanding season for Shakhtar, with his performances in the Champions League’s group stage having increased his list of suitors.
He has ten goals and eight assists in 18 appearances in all competitions and provided five goal involvements in six UCL games this season.
