Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their pursuit to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov.
The Ukraine international spent time in Shakhtar's youth setup before making the step up to the first team in the 2020-21 season.
Sudakov has gone on to make 100 competitive appearances for the Ukrainian club, scoring 19 goals and providing 18 assists.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a productive 2023-24 campaign, registering nine goals and six assists in 33 matches across all competitions.
Having established himself as a key player in the Shakhtar side, Sudakov was rewarded with a new contract in February to extend his deal until the summer of 2028.
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Chelsea step up Sudakov pursuit
Despite signing a new long-term deal, Sudakov is widely expected to leave Shakhtar at the end of the current season.
Last month, Shakhtar's CEO Sergei Palkin revealed that Sudakov will likely be sold this summer amid speculation linking him with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.
With Sudakov attracting plenty of interest, the Daily Mail are reporting that Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit in a bid to win the race to secure the Ukrainian's signature.
The report claims that Chelsea have held discussions with the player's representatives over a potential summer transfer.
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How much will Sudakov cost?
The attacking midfielder is understood to have an eye-watering £125m release clause which will become active in June.
However, Shakhtar are expected to entertain offers below that mark, having set an asking price in the region of £65m.
Chelsea could have the funds to meet Shakhtar's valuation, but they will have to sanction departures to ensure that they meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
If Chelsea are able to pull off a deal for Sudakov, it would allow the youngster to reunite with his friend and compatriot Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The winger previously played alongside Sudakov at Shakhtar, before he completed a big-money move to Chelsea in January 2023.
