Chelsea open talks to try and hijack Arsenal move for Mykhaylo Mudryk – report

Chelsea directors have flown to Poland in a last-gasp effort to hijack Arsenal’s deal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The Gunners have been trying to sign the Ukraine international, who picked up Shakhtar’s player of the year award on Saturday, in the January transfer window.

But just as the Premier League leaders were closing in on an agreement, Chelsea have made a last-gasp effort to sign Mudryk.

Fabrizio Romano claims the Chelsea board flew to Poland on Saturday to begin negotiations with Shakhtar about a €100 million deal for the winger.

Talks are already at a ‘very advanced’ stage between the clubs, and it could come down to whether the Blues can convince Mudryk to join them.

The 22-year-old would prefer to move to Arsenal, who have made a third bid worth €95m, made up of a €70m fee and €25m in add-ons.

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It remains to be seen how things will progress, but it could well come down to Mudryk’s personal preference.

Mudryk has impressed in the Champions League this season, notching three goals and two assists in six group games for Shakhtar.

The 44-time Ukraine international has a contract with his current employers until December 2026.