Chelsea 'very close' to move for Arsenal target Mudryk

Chelsea are set to beat Arsenal to the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk after the Ukrainian outfit confirmed a deal was "very close".

The Blues have reportedly had an £88.5million bid accepted to sign the forward.

An official statement from Shakhtar Donetsk read: "FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali discussed Mykhaylo Mudryk's transfer to Chelsea FC today. 

"Parties are very close to agree on [the] player's transfer to the club."

Mikel Arteta's side have long looked to be in pole position for the signature of Mudryk, who had been dropping hints of a potential move to the Gunners on social media.

However, Chelsea have swooped in front and now look set to sign the Ukrainian rising star under the noes of their London rivals.

Should they complete the transfer, it would be the club's fourth permanent addition of the January transfer window, having already secured the services of Benoit Badiashile, David Fofana and Andrey Santos.  

Joao Felix has also arrived at Stamford Bridge on loan until the end of the season, though the Portuguese ace was sent off on his Chelsea debut during the midweek defeat at Fulham.