Former England star names Newcastle United as ‘attractive’ option for £26m Arsenal transfer target

Former Tottenham Hotspur and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Newcastle United would land ‘a top winger’ if they move for Ukraine international Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Recent reports have suggested the Magpies are one of a number of Premier League clubs said to be considering a move for the Shakhtar Donetsk star.

Arsenal are believed to have ‘made contact’ with the Ukrainian club and Everton are said to have had a ‘verbal proposal’ rejected during the final days of the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old has impressed since progressing through Shakthar’s youth ranks and has scored four goals and provided 12 assists in 31 appearances since making his league debut in 4-2 win against Desna in December 2020.

Mudryk has progressed into the Ukraine squad and won the first of five senior caps in their World Cup qualifying play-off win in Scotland earlier this year.

He has shown his class in this season’s Champions League with goals in group stage games against RB Leipzig and Celtic - and Robinson believes Newcastle would be an ‘attractive proposition’ if he choose to test his undoubted ability in the Premier League.

“He looks like a real talent,” the former England star told Football Insider.

“To be putting in performances in the Champions League at his age says a lot.  I’m sure there are a few clubs looking at him now.

“It is only a matter of time before he leaves Shakhtar. They cannot keep rebuffing bids. There will be a figure that they have in mind. Newcastle would be an attractive proposition.

“I think they could do with another top winger. Obviously they have Saint-Maximin but I’m not sure Almiron, Murphy and Fraser are going to get them to where they want to be.

“Mudryk is a player for now and the future. Howe is evolving that squad slowly. I think they will continue to develop over the next 12 months.”

Newcastle supporters will get a chance to watch the winger in action next Tuesday night when Ukraine face Ryan Fraser’s Scotland in a Nations League fixture.