Shakhtar Donetsk announce Mudryk 'close' to joining Chelsea

Posted Sunday, January 15, 2023 by Tribalfootball.com

Chelsea are "close" to signing forward Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainian club says.

Chelsea have agreed a fee of €70m (£62m) plus add-ons for the 22-year-old, who was a January target for Premier League rivals Arsenal.

A Chelsea delegation met with Shakhtar officials, who say talks went well.

Mudryk has scored seven goals and made seven assists in 12 league appearances for Shakhtar this season, and has scored three Champions League goals.

Chelsea issued a statement to say they are "discussing terms" with Shakhtar and added: "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."

Arsenal were in the market for a forward after an injury to Gabriel Jesus.

Shakhtar confirmed club president Rinat Akhmetov met with Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali on Saturday to discuss the player's move to Stamford Bridge.

"The parties are very close to the transfer of the footballer to Chelsea FC," Shakhtar said.

The player is expected to have a medical on Sunday morning after flying to the UK.