- Chelsea held talks with representatives of Ukrainian midfielder Sudakov.
- Many of his Premier League rivals have also followed the 21-year-old.
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Chelsea are increasing their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Georgiy Sudakov.
The £65m Ukraine international has scored eight goals for club and country this season, including one in Shakhtar’s 3-0 win over Odessa on Sunday.
Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool have all seen progress this season, while there is also interest from Italy.
Chelsea are understood to have held talks with their representatives in recent weeks to determine the figures involved, while Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin was recently invited to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea beat Everton 6-0.
Palkin later confirmed to the media: “This summer window, you have a great opportunity to move to some big clubs. We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating directly with us, but they are getting familiar with the summer environment.” .
Chelsea are understood to have held talks with representatives of Georgiy Sudakov
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have controlled Sudakov’s evolution
A move to Chelsea could allow him to link up with close friend Mykhailo Mudryk (pictured)
Sudakov would be Chelsea’s next big signing with Todd Boehly if they make a move
“He will definitely move to a big European club this summer. When I was at Chelsea against Everton, a lot of people asked me about Sudakov.
Sudakov is close friends with Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk and has joked that his former teammate misses him in London.
Mudryk has struggled to adapt to life in the capital since his own £62million transfer from Shakhtar last summer and remains in regular contact with Sudakov, often advising him to move to England.
Playmaker Sudakov has signed a new contract until 2028 that has a release clause of around £125m active from June, but Shakhtar are expected to consider sensible offers for the 21-year-old.
Chelsea are looking to improve their squad again this summer and have been evaluating targets in South America.
Some, like Palmeiras’ 17-year-old Estevao Willian, are younger, emerging talents, but Sudakov is considered ready for the first team having made 87 appearances for Shakhtar and gained experience in the Champions League and Europe.
There will be competition for his signature but, should Chelsea proceed, he has a good relationship with Shakhtar and Sudakov’s representatives.
