Arsenal have made Shakhtar’s electric winger Mykhaylo Mudryk their top target for the upcoming January transfer window, and have even launched an official offer for the player. The Gunners are actively looking for attacking reinforcements in the upcoming market after their star striker Gabriel Jesus has been ruled out for at least three months after undergoing a surgery on his knee surgery sustained during the World Cup.
Mikel Arteta has ‘guaranteed’ that Arsenal are going to bring in a new striker next month and transfer activities will be will be in abundance. Mykhaylo Mudryk seems to be on the top of their agenda, having launched an opening bid of €40 million as fixed fee and €20 million add-ons. However, Shakhtar have rejected the offer out of hand and are reportedly holding out on their valuation of €100 million.
Arsenal ready to have another shot at Mykhaylo Mudryk signing with improved bid
Arsenal are not going anywhere after their €60 million package got rejected as the club know they need these type of signings to avoid another meltdown like the last season. The Gunners failed to bring in replacements for departees in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Calum Chambers, Sead Kolasinac, Maitland Niles around same time last season which cost them a top-four finish as Tottenham who conducted some smart business pipped them to finish fourth.
However, this time Arsenal are rather fighting for the title as they sit atop of the league with a two-point lead over defending champions Manchester City. Arteta knows January incomings will be key to their title challenge and moreover, they need new players no matter whether they challenge for the title or not. Jesus’ absence is going to have a bigger impact than expected since the Brazilian’s contribution goes beyond than just scoring the goals.
The £52 million summer recruit has 5 goals and 6 assists in 14 league games for the Gunners alongside 1.5 chances created, 2 dribbles completed, 3 recoveries and 1.4 tackles per game. As evident, Jesus has been more than a ‘number-9’ on the pitch for Arsenal and Arteta wants a player of similar style. And that’s why a perfect striker is still not on top of the club’s shop-list.
Arsenal are impressed with Mykhaylo Mudryk’s attacking as well as overall output and hence are ready to try and launch an improved offer. The player’s willingness to play for them is another boost for the Gunners, as the 21-year-old has openly confessed his love for Arsenal. He recently also posted a picture of him watching Arsenal’s 3-1 comeback win over West Ham, over which Arteta rather chose to refrain from offering a comment.
However, Arsenal are clear on their stance that they won’t be paying the amount, €100 million, Shakhtar wants for Mykhaylo Mudryk. Although his 10 goals and 8 assists in 18 games in all competitions are a testimony to his talent, a triple-figure fee is still too much of an asking for a player who hasn’t been tested in Europe’s top-five leagues till now. Arsenal will surely have their alternatives ready as Arteta has stated that they would like to conduct business as early as possible in the January market.