Man City: Mudryk ‘interest’ confirmed

Manchester City hold an ‘interest’ in signing Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to the club’s deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini.

The Lowdown: Two-horse race

The Ukrainian still has four years remaining on his contract with Igor Jovicevic’s side, but after an impressive start to the season, has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Arsenal had been credited with a strong interest in the 21-year-old over the summer, with reports suggesting that suitors would need to pay over €50m (£43m) to prise him away, and the Sky Blues have now also been name-checked.

The Latest: Man City eyeing Mudryk

According to Nicolini (via Sport Witness), City are one of the clubs monitoring Mudryk, but will need to cough up at least €100m (£86m) to secure his services.

“There are many English candidates, there is the Spanish on duty, the French on duty, but now it takes the right amount to take him away. Together with Mbappe, Leao and Vinicius, Mudryk is the strongest player in that position.

“Oscillating between Arsenal and Manchester City? They are two teams that have taken an interest in the player. But there are also other clubs that can spend right away.

“Is €40m enough to buy him? We do not speak to these figures. Not even for €50m, we don’t even call the president to communicate the offer. We value Mudryk more than Antony of Manchester United, who cost €100m.

“We are not obliged to sell, we do not want to make phenomena. We don’t want to shoot figures that aren’t realistic. But in this team, he is the most decisive. If you want to take on certain players who make a difference in the top clubs, you also need the right money.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

£86m is a huge sum for a player still so young, but given his outstanding track record, it’s a figure that Pep Guardiola’s side could perhaps be willing to pay.

The winger has made 24 goal contributions in 37 appearances for Shakhtar, with 13 of those coming in just 11 outings across all competitions this season.

Mudryk’s incredible end product would surely flourish playing alongside the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, so City should do everything they can to bring him to the Etihad.