Mykhaylo Mudryk: Chelsea Launch Plot to Hijack Arsenal Transfer Target

• Mykhaylo Mudryk has courted interest from top clubs, with Chelsea and Arsenal keen on his services
• The Gunners were firm favourites to land the Ukrainian forward before the Blues joined the race for his signature
• Chelsea is keen on signing the prolific striker in January as backup for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is struggling at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Shakhtar Donestk star Mykhaylo Mudryk over a potential January move to Stamford Bridge.

The Ukrainian forward has been a top transfer target for Arsenal, who are keen to find a replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus.

TalkSPORT reports that Mudryk has attracted plenty of interest this month, with a switch to the Premier League gathering pace.

The publication adds that Arsenal have been in the driving seat in the pursuit of the 21-year-old, with the north Londoners understood to be confident of landing the star forward this January.

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Chelsea open talks with Mudryk

Fresh reports indicate that Chelsea are keen to hijack the transfer from Arsenal, having reportedly opened talks with the Ukrainian.

According to The Sun, while the Gunners had already agreed personal terms with Mudryk, Chelsea's entrance in the transfer race for the youngster could complicate things for Mikel Arteta's side.

It is understood that should the Blues agree to meet the asking price which is around £60million with another £20million in add-ons, they could pip Arsenal to the transfer.

The Stamford Bridge-based outfit are in dire need of more firepower upfront following the departures of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku.

The signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not changed Chelsea's fortunes, with the ex-Arsenal skipper currently struggling in front of goal.

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Stats back Arsenal to win

Sports Brief also reported on an interesting statistic which suggests Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title.

With the Gunners sitting top of the table with more than 40 points, ESPN revealed no club had failed to win the league from this position.

However, Arsenal has failed to win the title twice despite leading the EPL at Christmas, in the 2002/2003 and 2007/2008 seasons respectively.