Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Ukraine international has emerged as one of the most sought-after properties in European football in recent months following his impressive performances for Shakhtar this season.
Arsenal have strongly been linked with the 22-year-old forward in recent weeks, and have seen two bids rejected and have since submitted a third.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have made a move to hijack their interest and have reached an agreement with the Ukrainian side in a deal worth €100 million (£88m).
Shakhtar have used the fees of Jack Grealish (£100m) and Antony (£86m) as a yardstick for Mudryk’s valuation, and it seems as though they have got their way.
Romano now says that Chelsea are now ‘pushing on the players side’ with a move to the Emirates having been the forward’s ‘priority’.
Exclusive: Chelsea have reached an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for Mudryk. €100m fee agreed between parties today after mission. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Chelsea now pushing on player side — as Mudryk priority has always been Arsenal.#AFC bid remains €95m add ons included. pic.twitter.com/PoIddYaARC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 14, 2023
The Athletic backup Romano’s reports, and say Chelsea’s bid is worth €70 million plus €30m in add-ons, though they say personal terms have already been agreed on a seven year deal with the player said to be ‘open’ to the move.
Arsenal’s latest bid is believed to be in the region of €70 million plus add ons, with the overall package said to be valued at €95m.
Whether the Gunners are inclined to up their offer to match that of their Premier League rivals remains to be seen.
It’s not the first time Chelsea been involved in a hijacking this season, with Barcelona beating them to the signing of Raphinha in the summer having agreed a deal for the Brazilian, while the Blues infamously hijacked Spurs’ move for Willian back in 2013.
If Chelsea are able to secure Mudryk’s signature, it will be the latest in a staggering spending spree since Todd Boehly’s summer takeover, with over £300 million having been spent since the American took the club over from Roman Abramovic.
