Mykhailo Mudryk has reportedly informed Shakhtar Donetsk that he wants to join Arsenal over Chelsea. This follows reports the wide-man was spoilt for choice after the Stamford Bridge side joined the race to sign him.

Consequently, Mudryk is split over joining Arsenal or Chelsea – triggering a fierce two-way battle between the Premier League giants. The two London rivals are slugging it out for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger with an £85 million ($107 million) price on his head. The Ukrainian club’s top brass are in the capital meeting representatives of both clubs to try to seal a deal during this month’s transfer window.

Both clubs are battling for the winger and hope to complete a deal this month. Arsenal have had multiple bids for Mudryk rejected by Shakthar, with the latest believed to be worth around £62 million. On Friday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romanao posted on Twitter that the Gunners were preparing a third offer during a meeting with Shakhtar director Darijo Srna in London in the hope of tilting the scales in its favour.

The rejection of Arsenal’s first two offers led Chelsea to try and hijack a potential transfer with Srna seen in Todd Boehly’s personal box as the Blues hosted Manchester City on Thursday. Srna is also set to hold talks with Arsenal and Shakhtar will demand a huge up-front payment.

Mudryk prefers a move to North London and has informed his club of that wish, according to a report in 90min. He has made no secret of his fondness of the Gunners, and recently took to social media to praise manager Mikel Arteta.

The Ukrainian has also been watching Arsenal’s recent games in a massive hint he wants to join the Premier League leaders. So far negotiations have proved difficult for Arsenal with Shakhtar demanding £85 million ($107 million) for the 22-year-old.

However, Mudryk is believed to have voiced his concern over the demands and has urged Shakhtar to let him join Arsenal. He is prioritising talks with the Gunners over Chelsea but may have to remain patient with Arsenal unwilling to meet his asking price. And Mudryk is said to be prepared to do just that before seeking other options.

Chelsea have offered to outbid any rival offer. It was initially believed that the player preferred a move to play for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. But it has emerged that Mudryk is now torn between that and joining Graham Potter’s slow-burn revolution at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal promises a trophy after just half a season with them five points clear at the top of the table.

But Chelsea are selling themselves on a ticket to long-term success and a return to greatness under new owner Todd Boehly.

• A Tell / The Sun report