Shakhtar Donetsk 'increase asking price for Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk'

Shakhtar Donetsk have reportedly increased their asking price for star attacker Mykhaylo Mudryk amid interest from the likes of Arsenal.

The 21-year-old's long-term future with the Ukrainian giants is believed to be uncertain, with a host of clubs said to be interested in his services ahead of 2023.

Mikel Arteta's side have been strongly linked with a move for the attacker and the Gunners allegedly contemplated a late swoop in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

Paris Saint-Germain are the latest club to have joined the race for Mudryk, while the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United, Everton and Brentford have also been credited with an interest.

A report last month claimed that Shakhtar would entertain offers of €50m (£43m) for the youngster, who they regard as a 'potential star of the future'.

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However, journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Shakhtar have now increased their asking price for Mudryk to a figure between €60m (£52.2m) and €65m (£56.6m).

"I continue to enjoy watching the development of Mykhaylo Mudryk – his performances in the Champions League this season have been amazing!" Romano wrote in his column for CaughtOffside.

"He's a player whose value has most likely shot up since the summer. Shakhtar Donetsk wanted around €50m for him in August, probably €40m plus add-ons were enough.

"Today, I'm sure they want way more than €50m for their star, it could probably be as high as €60-65m."

Mudryk has established himself as a key player for Shakhtar this season and has impressed in front of goal, scoring three times and registering seven assists in nine appearances across all competitions, including four goal contributions in as many Champions League group-stage matches.

Last month, Arsenal were provided a boost in the race for Mudryk's signature as he hinted that it would be difficult to turn down the chance to join the Gunners.

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Asked by CBS Sports about a potential switch to the Emirates Stadium, the attacker said: "Yes yes, it's hard to say but Arsenal is a very good team. Very good coach, I like the way they play. I think every guy dreams about the Premier League."

Mudryk added: "In winter we will see. There were a lot of discussions about a transfer, about clubs who want me, but it's normal.

"I'm in Shakthar and I want to play in this team, I love every player in this team. Shakhtar for me right now is my home. For me it's very important that all my thoughts [are on] Shakhtar, but in winter we will see."

Mudryk, who has eight international caps for Ukraine, is under contract with Shakhtar until the summer of 2026.