Brentford ready to break transfer record to sign Shakhtar’s Mykhaylo Mudryk

Brentford are renewing attempts to sign their long-term target Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk before Thursday’s transfer deadline after seeing earlier offers rejected.

The lightning-quick Mudryk, a 21-year-old forward who can play across the front line, has attracted heavy interest from around Europe. Shakhtar rebuffed bids from Brentford last winter and are understood to be seeking at least £30m. The Bees have not gone away and are looking at ways to complete a deal that would break their transfer record.

Brentford’s prospects may be helped by the fact Arsenal, who had been monitoring Mudryk’s situation closely in recent weeks, have cooled their interest. They had explored the conditions for a potential deal but will not be pursuing one in this window. Although Mikel Arteta would like cover out wide, a midfielder will be their priority. Arsenal continue to wait on the severity of the injury Mohamed Elneny sustained against Fulham on Saturday, and fitness concerns regarding Thomas Partey add to their concerns in that area.

Mudryk, a Ukraine international known for his dribbling skills and ability over a dead ball, had been close to joining Bayer Leverkusen this summer before the move fell through. He is considered one of the brightest attacking talents on the continent and Everton are among others to have expressed firm interest.

Although he would play Champions League football with Shakhtar, who kicked off the new Ukrainian season last Tuesday, he is understood to be keen on a move to Brentford. His employers have been resolute in their refusal to sell but Brentford hope to provoke a change of heart.