Chelsea have reportedly moved ahead in the race for Shakhtar Donetsk prospect Georgiy Sudakov, with Manchester United and Arsenal also keen on the player.
The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the hottest young talents in European football and has been a regular for his club since the beginning of 2021.
Sudakov has netted 15 goals in 91 matches across all competitions for Shakhtar since making his debut for the Ukrainian giants in October 2020.
The midfielder also has extensive international experience considering his tender age in footballing terms, having earned 13 caps for Ukraine's first team.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are looking to steal a march on other European heavyweights in the pursuit of Sudakov's signature this summer.
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The report claims that Mauricio Pochettino's men made further contact with Shakhtar on Wednesday over a possible move for the youngster to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are not alone in their interest of Sudakov, though, with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Man United also sounding out a switch for the midfielder.
Mikel Arteta's side were understood to be at the head of the queue for the services of the Ukrainian, however their capital counterparts Chelsea have now supposedly moved ahead in the race.
It is also believed that the Red Devils have made contact with Shakhtar over a potential move for the 21-year-old from Donetsk to the red side of Manchester in the summer.
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City are also known to be keeping tabs on the player, however the Citizens are not pushing as hard for a deal compared to the likes of Chelsea at this stage.
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There is said to be further interest in Sudakov from Serie A clubs Juventus and Napoli, meaning that a bidding war could be imminent for the midfielder's signature.
The player himself has claimed that Shakhtar rejected a €40m (£34.3m) from the current Italian champions, as they plan for life without their biggest asset.
Partenopei marksman Victor Osimhen is being chased by a number of clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, with both Arsenal and Chelsea said to be interested in the Nigerian.
Focusing on Sudakov, it is believed that Shakhtar are demanding around €100m (£85.8m) for the 13-time international, and the Ukrainian club are no strangers to being involved in big-money transfers with Premier League sides.
Beating London rivals Arsenal to his signature at the end of a transfer saga, Chelsea signed Mykhaylo Mudryk for £89m from Shakhtar in January 2023.
Carter White
