Mykhaylo Mudryk has opened up about a move to Arsenal in January and revealed that he has been following the Gunners closely, though he would want assurances from Mikel Arteta before joining.
The Shakhtar Donetsk star has been on Arsenal’s radar since the summer and is believed to have been recommended to the club by Ukrainian team-mate and captain Oleksandr Zinchenko.
But Arsenal are not the only European giant interested, particularly after a remarkable start to the campaign in which Mudryk netted three times and made two assists in the Champions League, delivering a couple of fine performances.
Despite Arsenal’s fine start to the season, Arteta is keen to sign a new winger to add even more firepower to his options and will likely need to stump up around £52m to land Mudryk.
Now the 21-year-old has given an interview with Vlada Sedan – Zinchenko’s wife – in which he spoke very highly of Arsenal and opened the door to a move to the club, though he would be keen to speak to Arteta about his potential role in the team.
Asked if he has been following Arsenal amid the transfer speculation, Mudryk told Vlada Sedan’s YouTube channel: ‘Yeah. I check on them on MyScore and know when they’re playing I can check on them.
‘I also watch them too. They are a very dynamic side, in general not just in controlling possession but also in scoring goals.’
Asked if the role on offer at his possible new club would play a part in his decision, Mudryk continued: ‘From a purely hypothetical perspective if there was the option of being a bench player for Real Madrid or a starter for Arsenal, I’d probably choose Arsenal.
‘But it’s a tough question and involves a lot of factors in my answer. ‘I would first want to know from the head coach that even if I wasn’t a guaranteed starter, that I’d receive a chance.
‘Essentially I need to hear directly from the manager what he envisages my role in his side to be.’
Asked how he will decide his next move, he added: ‘The team’s style of play will play a role. It’s very important to me.’
Mudryk also confirmed that the role on offer and style of play are much more important to him than the reputation and prestige of the club.
The winger also touched on the interest in him over the summer, saying: ‘I spoke with two or three head coaches either directly or via a translator, they were Nice, Bayer Leverkusen and Brentford. When it didn’t work out I was a bit upset but as we can see now God’s plan is better than my dreams.’
