This year, we’ve already seen many stories about Arsenal’s pursuit for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk, and it appears they have Manchester United to blame for their struggles in acquiring him.
One of the latest reports came from the Italian media, where TuttoMercatoWeb mentioned that the Gunners placed a €40m offer for his signing.
That would include €20m in bonuses, but would still fall short on the €70m request made by the Ukranian side.
This ‘large distance’ always seemed like an issue for Arsenal to take Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, and it seems the negotiations will continue to be tough.
Other Italian clubs are also interested in landing the winger, and that’s why CalcioNapoli24 today features some quotes from Shakhtar director Carlo Nicolini about this sale, after he was asked if Napoli had themselves come forward for the Ukraine international.
The club chief pointed out the fee paid by Manchester United to sign Antony from Ajax as a benchmark for future transfers, making it clear the Ukranian side will not back down.
“Given that we have no need for transfers, we said in due time that we evaluate the player stronger than some other profiles, such as Antony. This is the benchmark,” Nicolini told CalcioNapoli24.
“The problem is that Italian clubs don’t take advantage of opportunities, like Milan with Enzo Fernandez, who is now worth over 100 million. When you arrive in time on a player you have to sink the shot, otherwise the prices change.”
So it seems Arsenal will have to continue raising their bid to sign Mudryk, and if they’re not happy with that, they can blame Manchester United for their summer business with Ajax.
