Arsenal are reportedly ‘cautiously optimistic’ about signing Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk after seeing their first bid for the player rejected. The forward is the Gunners’ top target heading into the January transfer window following his impressive start to the season.
Following their 3-1 win over West Ham on Boxing Day, Arsenal are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta has reaped the benefits of his summer spending spree, with his team looking solid defensively and a constant goalscoring threat when in possession.
The Gunners are firmly in control of how the season can pan out, though they certainly need further investment if they are to see out the campaign. With Gabriel Jesus sustaining an injury whilst representing Brazil at the Qatar World Cup, a forward is top of the shopping list at the Emirates Stadium.
Mudryk is Arsenal’s priority, and Sky Sports have reported that the club are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about signing the 21-year-old. Following their rejected opening proposal of approximately £55million, the north London outfit are well aware of the ‘gap in valuations’ between the clubs.
Arsenal’s opening offer contained significant add-ons, and it is the payment structure that is set to be a talking point in negotiations with Shakhtar. Mudryk has been in flying form so far this season, scoring seven and assisting seven in 12 league appearances.
The Ukraine international has impressed with his clinical finishing and fierce pace, with many feeling that he could prove to be the difference in the title race. Mudryk can be deployed on either flank, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to play through the middle in the absence of Jesus.
Asked about the links to Mudryk earlier this week, Arteta said: “You know that I never speak to other players that are not with us. And it might be that you have to ask me the question but we said that we will try to find ways to strengthen the team. We will find the right players and that’s all I can say.”
Mudryk posted on his Instagram story that he was watching the match against West Ham, perhaps in hope of indicating that he is keen to make the move to Arsenal. Though Arteta refused to comment on the post directly, saying: “It’s a good thing for England that you don’t have many other matches in other countries. We are the only ones playing through Christmas so hopefully, a lot of people watched our game and we gave them a good show.”
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