Arsenal-Mudryk transfer will be 'concluded quickly' as journalist predicts 'guaranteed fee' will be 'low'

Arsenal are reportedly still in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk and it has been suggested the talks could 'conclude quickly'.

The Gunners have stepped up their efforts to sign Mudryk in recent weeks following his recent superb form for the Ukraine side.

The 22-year-old has registered ten goals and eight assists in 18 appearances this season. This includes five goal appearances in six Champions League group games.

Arsenal have identified him as their primary target this month as they seek to strengthen on the flanks.

Chelsea have joined them in targeting Mudryk but their London rivals remain favorites to sign him this month.

Recent reports have suggested an agreement is close between Arsenal and Shakhtar, with Ben Jacobs now reporting that the 'main conversation' between the clubs is now about 'structure rather than necessarily numbers'.

He adds that he sees Shakhtar eventually "conceding a bit and dropping slightly below" their €100m asking price.

“The main conversation right now is about structure rather than necessarily numbers. Shakhtar have publicly stated they want €100m, and both offers from Arsenal were below €70m, although the second was quite close,” Jacobs wrote for Caught Offside.

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“Arsenal have a high-end valuation in mind and it doesn't match Shakhtar's €100m. Still, it's not just a matter of numbers, and my understanding at the moment is that Arsenal will be willing to go a little higher provided the structure suits them.

"Over time, Shakhtar will in all likelihood give in a little and go down a little, with a package with bonuses that suits them and brings them closer to the number they are looking for."

He added: "Everyone is focused on numbers and asking why Arsenal aren't just going higher, but it's about finding the value of a priority signing that they really want. They're not going not give in quickly because that's not how Arsenal do business.'

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Jacobs then suggested that the "guaranteed fee" for Mudryk would likely be "closer to 55-60 million euros" and that a deal "could be done quickly".

“So a back and forth is happening, but I think the parties are coming to a little more consensus on the guaranteed part of the costs,” Jacobs continued.

‘So now it will depend on bonuses and add-ons, and how much Arsenal are willing to offer and how accessible they are.

"It's easy to bump the total to 80 million or more with add-ons if you know it's very, very unlikely they'll ever be activated, and if activated, that is linked to an extreme level of success. Shakhtar must know that they are very likely to receive a healthy package.

“I think the guaranteed part of the fee, if it does, will be around 50 million euros, or maybe closer to 55-60 million euros.

"The talks are ongoing and they could be concluded soon, but certainly the idea Monday or Tuesday morning that a deal has already been done is incorrect, as I understand it ."