Arsenal Transfer News: Charles Watts Discusses Gunners’ Links With 22-Year-Old Midfielder

Premier League aspirants Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Ukrainian midfielder Georgiy Sudakov. Charles Watts, who is an expert in all-things-Arsenal, has said the links make sense but reckons the move will be tricky to pull off.

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Sudakov is one of the hottest properties in the market at the moment, with many prominent teams showing interest in signing him.

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal and Liverpool recently sent scouts to see the 22-year-old in action against LNZ Cherkasy and Veres Rivne, and they received a satisfactory performance report. They are now reportedly preparing to step up their pursuit, but he will not come cheap. Shakhtar could demand at least €65 million ($70.5 million) for their midfield maestro.

Arsenal Expert Charles Watts Gives Verdict on Georgiy Sudakov Links

In his column for CaughtOffside, Watts discussed the ever-increasing rumors about Sudakov and Arsenal. Here is what he had to say:

“Georgiy Sudakov has been linked with Arsenal recently and they will be able to have a close-up view of his talents on Tuesday night when Shakhtar Donetsk visit the Emirates in the Champions League. Sudakov’s stock is rising fast, with clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Spurs and Liverpool all said to be interested in the attacking midfielder.

“It’s too early to say whether Arsenal will actually make a move for the 22-year-old, but it’s no surprise to see him mentioned as a potential target for the club. He fits the profile that Mikel Arteta and Edu like and plays in an area where Arsenal will look to strengthen over the next few windows.”

He added:

“Sudakov likes to get forward from midfield and operate in the No.10 role, but he can also play deeper and with Thomas Partey and Jorginho expected to move on at the end of the season and Mikel Merino approaching his 30s, Arsenal will be looking to add some fresh blood to their midfield options.

“They will know, however, due to their highly publicized chase of Mykhailo Mudryk, that Shakhtar are not an easy club to do business with. So if they do decide to pursue Sudakov, they will be aware that he would not come cheap and Mudryk’s struggles since joining Chelsea show how big a step in class it is when moving from Ukraine to the Premier League.”

Sudakov has been at Shakhtar all his life. He has so far played 111 games for the Ukrainian outfit in all competitions, scoring 27 times and providing 20 assists. His contract with the club expires on December 31, 2028.