Mykhaylo Mudryk
Mykhaylo Mudryk

Arsenal have set in motion their plans for the upcoming winter market, as the Gunners have submitted an official bid for their long term target Mykhaylo Mudryk according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The talented winger has been on the radars of the Gunners for a while now, but it seemed they were not sure about entering the negotiations for player who has excelled in Ukraine’s Premier Liga and not been tested in any of Europe’s top-five leagues.

However, Arsenal have fast-tracked their Mudryk pursuit after their £52 million summer signing Gabriel Jesus underwent a surgery on a knee injury he suffered during the World Cup and is sidelined for three months now. Arsenal already lack ample attacking options, and technical director Edu now wants to avoid that shortage from ruining their season, like it did last term.

Mykhaylo Mudryk
Mykhaylo Mudryk has been electric for Shakhtar this season, prompting Arsenal to make a move for him. Credits: Twitter

Shakhtar want more than Arsenal’s current offer for Mykhaylo Mudryk

Mykhaylo Mudryk has been outstanding for Shakhtar Donetsk this season tearing apart the opponents in the domestic league as well as the Champions League. He so far has contributed a staggering 18 goals [10 goals and 8 assists] in 18 appearances for the Ukrainian side in all competitions, with 3 goals and 2 assists coming in the Champions League, where his displays caught the attention of many of Europe’s top clubs.

The 21-year-old however confessed that he fancies a move to Premier League giants Arsenal, who too were keeping an eye on him. But Shakhtar hiked their asset’s price tag which reportedly cooled down Arsenal’s interest. However, Jesus injury has got them working on war footing, as they look to sort their problems out in the January market. And according to Fabrizio, the Gunners have already tabled a €60 million offer in front of the Ukraine outfit, who want ‘way more’ than it. The Italian journalist revealed:

“Arsenal have now submitted a bid to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk. Understand it’s €40m plus €20m add-ons. Shakhtar want ‘way more’ than this to sell Mudryk. Talks will take place with player’s agent to discuss about the deal. No issues on personal terms: Mudryk wants #AFC.”

While the two clubs tussle for him, Mykhaylo Mudryk posted an Instagram update of him enjoying Arsenal’s 3-1 win over West Ham in the Premier League. Asked about the the major hint dropped by the winger, Mikel Arteta in his post-match presser responded:

“You know that I never speak about players who are not with us. I understand that you have to ask me the question. We said that we will try and find ways to strengthen the team [if] we find the right players and that’s what I can say. The good thing in England is that you don’t have many other matches in other countries at Christmas so hopefully a lot of people watched our game and we gave them a good show.”

Arsenal may have managed a 3-1 win over the Hammers, but the Gunners had to come from behind to win all three points and keep their lead at the summit of the Premier League intact. Gabriel Jesus was evidently being missed by the Gunners, as his deputy Eddie Nketiah failed to provide the cutting edge despite scoring a brilliant goal. Mikel Arteta is reportedly planning to shift Gabriel Martinelli from the wings to the centre-forward’s position, and thus wants Mykhaylo Mudryk to come in and slot in that left-wing position.

Negotiations between Shakhtar and Arsenal are expected to go on over the next few days, with the Ukrainian side reportedly wanting Mudryk’s potential buyer to pay a hefty €100 million for him. Arsenal are certainly not going to splash that amount on a player who still is a gamble despite his exploits. Arteta has also confirmed that the club will look for another top-tier striker as well in the winter market.