Chelsea are “very close” to a deal for winger Mykhailo Mudryk, having agreed a fee with Shakhtar Donetsk after sending representatives to Turkey to seal the transfer.
The Blues have moved fast for the 22-year-old Ukraine international after Arsenal were believed to be close to completing his signing.
The PA news agency understands a delegation from Chelsea travelled to Turkey, where the Ukrainian club are training ahead of the new season, to steal a march on their London rivals.
Shakhtar confirmed a deal with Chelsea was “very close”.
Advertisement— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 14, 2023
A statement on the club’s official Twitter account said: “FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali discussed Mykhailo Mudryk’s transfer to Chelsea FC today.
“Parties are very close to agree on player’s transfer to the club.”
Chelsea said in a statement they were “discussing terms” with Shakhtar.
“Should a deal be agreed between the two clubs then the Ukrainian international, who can operate as a winger or a forward, will discuss personal terms with the Blues ahead of a permanent transfer,” the statement added.
According to reports, Mudryk could cost up to 100millon euros (£88m) and is ready to sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
While Chelsea and Arsenal are both believed to have offered a similar amount, the Blues have structured a deal which would see Shakhtar receive more money up front, with more favourable add-ons than those being negotiated with the Gunners.
PA understands those add-ons include Champions League participation, the number of matches played and winning the Premier League.
Mudryk, who has played just 65 club games across his career to date, was named Shakhtar’s player of the year on Saturday.
He has posted several Instagram messages seemingly suggesting he is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but now Chelsea have moved firmly into pole position to land the promising forward.
Blues owner Todd Boehly has already sanctioned moves for Benoit Badiashile, David Fofana and Andrey Santos in the January window, while adding the loan signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.
Felix was sent off in Thursday’s 3-1 loss at neighbours Fulham, a result which leaves Chelsea 19 points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal and having played a game more.
