Chelsea 'readying huge Mykhailo Mudryk bid' as they prepare to hijack Arsenal move

Chelsea are readying a big-money bid to sign Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, according to Fabrizio Romano, which could land a major blow to ongoing Arsenal talks.

Arsenal have submitted three bids for the 22-year-old, with Romano previously revealing the third bid as being worth €70 million plus €25 million in add-ons.

The winger has dropped a number of hints that he is willing to join the Gunners, and has pictured himself watching Arteta's side on more than one occasion in the last month.

Shakhtar's asking price was set at €100 million before the transfer window, with club director Darijo Srna telling The Athletic that the Ukrainian side wanted to be shown 'respect' during negotiations.

And on Friday evening, The Times' Gary Jacob reported that Arsenal were confident of sealing a deal for a fee of around £80 million - and that there has been an 'acceptance' from the selling club that a transfer would be completed.

However, new reports suggest that Arsenal now face some serious competition.

Chelsea set to bid for Mykhailo Mudryk

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Chelsea board have travelled to Poland and are attempting to hijack Arsenal's move for Mudryk.

The prominent journalist tweeted: "Chelsea board now in Poland trying to reach verbal agreement with Shakhtar for Mudryk and hijack the deal! Official bid ready close to €100m.

"Arsenal always been leading the race, in talks with Shakhtar after third official bid. Mudryk's position, now crucial."

Chelsea have been linked with an interest in Mudryk since the window opened at the beginning of January, and Srna was pictured at Stamford Bridge during the Blues' 1-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.

Graham Potter's side have already showcased that they have money to spend in January, signing Joao Felix on a fee-paying loan and defender Benoit Badashile from Monaco for £35 million.

However, any late deal for Mudryk would still represent a surprise, especially given how close Arsenal reportedly are to sealing a move themselves - and Gunners fans would no doubt be devastated.