Shakhtar Donetsk chief Sergey Palkin says playmaker Georgiy Sudakov will “definitely” move to a big European club this summer with Arsenal said to be interested in the attacking midfielder.

The 21-year-old has seven goals and three assists in 29 matches this season and is set to represent Ukraine at this summer’s European Championships, grabbing his first international goal in September.

Sudakov is a close international ally with Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who is also being touted as a potential target for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta is expected to sign a striker this summer, but also may look at bringing in attacking midfield reinforcement with Emile Smith Rowe tipped to leave.

"Mykhailo and I talk every day, and in some situations I learn from him and he gives me advice," Sudakov said of his friend." He’s having new challenges at Chelsea this season, but he is a very talented player with very big ambitions. I think he has a great future."

Sudakov, who has 96 career club appearances and 14 caps for Ukraine, does not see his contract at Shakhtar expire until 2028. But his club’s CEO has flung the door open for potential suitors this summer, with his reported price tag set at around £60m.

Club officials paid a visit to London earlier this week as chief Palkin watched Mudryk take to the field at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening, having been involved in his £88.5m move in January 2023.

Speaking to The Evening Standard, Palkin said of Sudakov: “This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs. We have had some contacts with big clubs. Some are not negotiating with us directly, but are getting a feel for the summer environment.

“He will definitely move to a top European club this summer. When I was at Chelsea versus Everton on Monday, many people asked me about Sudakov.”

Napoli had approached Shakhtar regarding Sudakov in January but saw a £34m bid turned down. Palkin said that the main interest is now coming from Premier League clubs amid a hike in valuation.

He added: “I told Napoli in January they could have him for €50m plus bonuses, and they offered €40m, but I said to them to close the deal now or lose this unique chance.

“Now, it will not be €50m. They would have no chance to do that now because we have many more clubs looking. The most interest will come from English clubs.

"For me, he will become one of the best midfielders in Europe and the world. We don’t want clubs to seek discounts because we are at war. An example was for Mudryk. We are quite strong.”

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