Chelsea ‘have had meetings’ for ‘devastating’ £88m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have had meetings about Shakhtar Donetsk winger and Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk, Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.

However, the Italian journalist has suggested that the player’s price tag and desire to join the Gunners have made the Blues reconsider things.

Chelsea transfer news – Mykhailo Mudryk

The Independent recently claimed that Chelsea made it clear that they were willing to outbid Arsenal for Mudryk, who Shakhtar value at around £88m.

However, the same outlet also stated that the Emirates remains the 22-year-old’s preferred destination, while a report from The Guardian now says the Gunners are close to wrapping up a deal after reaching a compromise with the Pitmen.

With Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling both sidelined, Graham Potter could do with attacking reinforcements this month.

While Chelsea now look set to miss out on Mudryk, they have at least been able to sign the talented Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on loan.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Mykhailo Mudryk and Chelsea?

Romano says Chelsea have held discussions about signing Mudryk but the player wants to join Arsenal.

Speaking to GMS, the transfer expert said: “We know they had meetings for Mykhailo Mudryk because Mudryk is a player they really appreciate at Chelsea, but they heard €100m and that the player’s priority is Arsenal.”

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: Confirmed Deals, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Why have Chelsea considered signing Mykhailo Mudryk?

Before Pulisic and Sterling’s injuries, Chelsea did have quite a few attacking options. That being said, the former is out of contract next summer, while another winger in Hakim Ziyech could also be leaving Stamford Bridge soon.

Transfer insider Dean Jones told GMS last month that the Morocco international is open to ditching Potter’s side and the Premier League.

Considering all of that, the Chelsea board are probably preparing for the future, and at 22, coupled with the impact he has made this season, Mudryk was a name worth looking at.

As per Transfermarkt, the Ukrainian has 18 goal contributions in as many games for Shakhtar in the current campaign, finding the back of the net three times in the Champions League.

He has been a real threat for his side, with Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor describing his pace as “absolutely devastating”.

Shakhtar, though, are demanding an outrageous amount of money for a player who has not been on the scene for too long, while his preference is clearly Arsenal. So if Potter and Chelsea want to strengthen their attack further this month, then they are probably going to have to look elsewhere.

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