Chelsea are reportedly in talks to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk ahead of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
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The Ukraine international is Arsenal’s main target for the January transfer window but the Gunners’ opening offer of £35.5m, plus another £17.7m in add-ons, has been rejected by Shakhtar.
Arsenal have followed it up with an improved offer but Shakhtar are believed to be holding out for a fee closer to £85million.
It’s also understood that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the winger, who will sign a five-year deal with Mikel Arteta’s side.
But according to The Sun, Chelsea are looking to make a last-ditch bid to beat Arsenal and will hold talks with Shakhtar’s sporting director, Darijo Srna, in London this week.
The report claims that Chelsea’s co-owner Todd Boehly is keen to make reinforcements to Graham Potter’s team, though signing both Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez in the same window may not be financially possible.
Chelsea have been locked in discussions with Benfica over a deal for Fernandez, who was a vital part of Argentina’s World Cup-winning team last month.
Reports have claimed that Chelsea have agreed a £112m deal with Benfica for the player, who has already agreed personal terms with the club.
Chelsea have also agreed a £34m fee with Monaco to sign their 21-year-old centre-back Benoit Badiashile this month.
Meanwhile, Mudryk has dropped a number of hints on Instagram that he is keen on a move to Arsenal as he let fans know he was watching the Gunners beat West Ham on Boxing Day.
The winger posted again during Arsenal’s 4-2 victory over Brighton on Saturday as he took the chance to praise Mikel Arteta.