Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi claims Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk 'can win the Ballon d'Or'

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi believes Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk is capable of winning the Ballon d'Or.

De Zerbi coached Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk during the 2021-22 season, and is fully aware of the winger's ability.

With a move to England on the cards, De Zerbi has tipped Mudryk to go right to the top of the game, but has reluctantly admitted that the Seagulls have no chance of signing him.

'Mudryk is a fantastic player, but Brighton can’t buy him,' De Zerbi said at his press conference ahead of Brighton's clash with the Gunners on Saturday.

'I like him, because I like all my ex-players. But Brighton can’t buy him, Arsenal, I don’t know.

'I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk, he has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.'

Arsenal are currently in negotiations with Shakhtar over a deal for Mudryk, but have not reached an agreement yet.

Mikel Arteta's side had a £57m bid rejected earlier this week, and it is understood that Shakhtar would want in excess of £80m before letting Mudryk leave.

Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin has confirmed that talks are still taking place, indicating that Arsenal have not given up hope of convincing the Ukrainian club to sell.

Mudryk has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in European football after a phenomenal start to the season that has seen him score 10 goals in 18 matches across all competitions from out wide.

The 21-year-old was voted Shakhtar's player of the year by fans for the second straight year on Friday, receiving 76% of the vote.