Shakhtar Donetsk chief confirms Premier League-linked starlet to be sold in summer

The 21-year-old has progressed through the Ukrainian side's academy system to establish himself as one of their key players in the senior ranks.

Sudakov, who can play in a range of midfield roles, has contributed 17 goals and 15 assists from his 95 appearances in all competitions.

With a contract until 2028, it is plausible that Sudakov could continue to ply his trade for Shakhtar for the foreseeable future.

However, a wide array of European clubs have been credited with an interest in a player who is known to have attracted interest from Napoli.

What clubs are interested in Sudakov?

Many of the highest-profile teams in the Premier League have been linked with Sudakov, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Barcelona were also said to have been in the running, only for it to become clear that the Catalan giants would not be able to afford the Ukraine international.

According to Palkin, who has been in London this week, Sudakov is more likely than not to be plying his trade for a big club from 2024-25 onwards.

As quoted by the Evening Standard, Palkin said: "This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs.

"We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment.

"He will definitely move to a top European club this summer. When I was at Chelsea versus Everton on Monday, many people asked me about Sudakov."

The same outlet suggests that Shakhtar will attempt to recoup in the region of £60m for a player that is by far and away their most prized asset.

Who could emerge as most likely destination for Sudakov?

Palkin added that Napoli had rejected the chance to sign Sudakov for €50m (£42.71m) plus bonuses, but that may change in the summer if they generate over £100m for Victor Osimhen.

Whether any Premier League team are willing to meet Shakhtar's alleged valuation remains to be seen given that Mykhaylo Mudryk is yet to live up to his price-tag at Chelsea.

Of the aforementioned clubs, Arsenal and Man United are most in need of a player with Sudakov's skill-set, with Liverpool already well stocked and Chelsea highly unlikely to spend a big fee on another Ukrainian player.

Despite Man City's interest, it is unclear how he may earn regular game time unless a player such as Bernardo Silva, who is open to a fresh challenge, leaves the Etihad Stadium.