Mykhaylo Mudryk: Ukrainian Neymar opens up on joining Arsenal

Mykhaylo Mudryk, who has been dubbed “the Ukrainian Neymar,” has admitted he “can’t say no” if given the opportunity to join Arsenal, who are interested in signing him.

Mudryk, a winger for Shakhtar Donetsk, was linked with a transfer to North London toward the end of this summer’s transfer window after establishing himself with 10 assists and two goals for Shakhtar last season.

Arsenal is reportedly still interested in the winger and could make an approach for him in January, but such a move never materialized.

The 21-year-old admitted to CBS Sports that he wouldn’t be able to pass up the opportunity to join the English team, but he will continue to concentrate on his current club until January.

“I do dream (of the Premier League). I think every guy dreams about the Premier League,” he said.

“Arsenal is a very good team with a very good coach. I like the way they play. Yes it would be hard to say no from my side, I can’t say no but the transfer is not only my decision and my word.

“In winter we will see. There was a lot of discussion about the transfer and the collapse (of the deal) and who wants me but it’s normal now. I’m in Shakhtar and I want to play in this team.

“I love this team and I love every guy in this team. Shakhtar for me it is now my home but for me it is very important that all my thoughts are about Shakhtar but in the winter (window) we will see.”

As for his nickname, he’d rather be compared to Croatian midfielder Luka Modric.

“It’s not Ukrainian Neymar, it’s the Ukrainian Modric – this sounds better. Modric is a top player and one of the best players of all time,” he added.