Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been handed a ‘big boost’ in his bid to sign an £88million star during the January transfer window, it has been claimed.
Arsenal have been handed a ‘big boost’ in their pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk as the Shakhtar Donetsk star wants to seal a move to the Emirates Stadium, journalist Paul Brown has told GiveMeSport.
The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League and boss Mikel Arteta is looking to improve his side’s title chances by bolstering his squad during the January transfer window.
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Arsenal transfer news – Mykhaylo Mudryk
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are set to test Shakhtar’s resolve by lodging a second bid after their opening proposal for Mudryk was turned down.
The report suggests the Gunners’ initial offer was worth £55million, including add-ons, and they have remained in talks with the Ukrainian side as they look to strike a deal.
But it seems Arsenal will need to put considerably more money on the table as Carlo Nicolini, Shakhtar’s deputy sporting director, has revealed the club value Mudryk at close to £88million.
Having made the 21-year-old their priority target heading into the winter window, the north Londoners have looked to steal a march on Manchester City, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Brentford, Everton and Bayer Leverkusen, who are known to be admirers.
Despite the initial setback, it appears that Arsenal are in pole position to land Mudryk as respected journalist Ben Jacobs recently told GiveMeSport that his ‘number one choice’ is to join Arteta’s side.
What has Paul Brown said about Mudryk?
Brown understands that Shakhtar are unwilling to sell Mudryk unless a much-improved bid is put forward by Arsenal.
However, the journalist feels the winger’s desire to link-up with the Premier League table-toppers could be pivotal in negotiations.
Brown told GiveMeSport: “His club are holding out for a lot more than Arsenal have so far let it be known they are willing to pay.
“Something has to give here – they either have to up their offer considerably or put more money on the table that’s guaranteed and not just there in bonuses.
“I think there’s some negotiating to be done, but the fact that Mudryk likes Arsenal and would like to play for them is a big boost for Arsenal’s chances.”
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Is Mudryk worth the £88m Shakhtar want?
Mudryk has been in superb form in recent months and chalked up 18 goal contributions in as many games this season, according to Transfermarkt.
There is no doubt that an equal level of productivity in the Premier League would improve Arsenal’s chances of winning the title for the first time since 2004.
Arteta has been left short of attacking options after Gabriel Jesus was forced to undergo knee surgery thanks to sustaining an injury while at the World Cup with Brazil and Mudryk could be an ideal option to come in even though he is not an out-and-out striker.
FBref statistics show the Ukraine international has averaged more goals and assists per 90 minutes than current Gunners wide-men Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli this season.
That is no mean feat and Mudryk has also earned comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, further emphasising that he would be an exciting addition.
But Arsenal should still attempt to secure his services for less than the £88million Shakhtar are holding out for.
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