Fulham are poised to pull off a stunning January transfer coup, with the West London club in advanced negotiations to sign Arsenal and Chelsea target Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Cottagers are leading the race to secure the Ukrainian international winger on a loan deal until the end of the season. Crucially, the agreement is believed to include an option for a permanent transfer, a key sticking point in discussions with other suitors.
Marco Silva's Key Role in Mudryk Pursuit
Manager Marco Silva has been instrumental in driving Fulham's ambitious move for the 23-year-old. Silva sees Mudryk as a perfect fit for his attacking system and believes he can unlock the prodigious talent that made him one of Europe's most sought-after prospects during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Mudryk's arrival would provide a significant boost to Fulham's forward line, offering blistering pace, direct dribbling, and creativity as the club aims to secure a top-half finish in the Premier League.
Arsenal's Stance on the Potential Deal
Despite his high-profile £88.5m move to the Emirates just a year ago, Mudryk has struggled to secure a regular starting spot under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners are now open to allowing the winger to depart on loan to gain crucial playing time and rediscover his form.
However, Arsenal's hierarchy are reportedly insisting on an obligation-to-buy clause, valuing the player at a significant portion of his original transfer fee. This demand has complicated negotiations with several interested Italian clubs, giving Fulham a clear advantage with their structured proposal.
Chelsea's Lingering Interest
In a fascinating subplot, Chelsea—who were finalists in the race to sign Mudryk before his move to Arsenal—maintain a registered interest in the player. The Blues could yet enter the fray, though their current focus appears to be on other attacking targets.
Fulham's proactive approach and willingness to meet key conditions have positioned them as frontrunners in what would represent one of the most surprising deals of the January window.
