Arsenal reportedly remain confident they can sign Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk this month, according to David Ornstein and despite increased speculation over a move to Chelsea.
The Gunners are desperate to bolster their ranks with quality additions as they look to push for Premier League glory. They are currently five points clear of reigning champions Manchester City at the top of the table. And with Pep Guardiola’s side breathing down their necks, Mikel Arteta’s side know there is precious margin for error.
To supplement their prospects, Arteta is hoping to add two new additions in January. The Gunners boss wants to add a new midfielder to his ranks to provide cover and competition for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. The duo have been in imperious form this season, but Arteta seemingly does not trust either Mohamed Elneny or Albert Sambi Lokonga to step in should anything happen.
As such, Arteta is reportedly back on the trail of an all-action Brazilian midfielder.
However, there is little doubting that boosting the Arsenal attack is Arteta’s No 1 focus. He has seen his options limited by an untimely knee injury sustained by summer signing Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian faces another couple of months on the sidelines. And in the wake of his injury, Gary Neville reflected on their lack of options off the bench in this week’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
The Gunners’ No 1 target is Ukrainian winger Mudryk. An Arsenal target since the summer, he has been the subject of two failed bids already from Arteta and Co this month.
Indeed, Arsenal’s latest offer was reportedly worth £44.2m plus add-ons. However, Shakhtar are standing firm and have reportedly rejected the offer amid claims they value the star at nearer £88.5m.
Ornstein insists Mudryk to Arsenal remains on course
The Gunners also have another problem too in that Chelsea are also now very much in the hunt for Mudryk.
They have held extensive talks this week with Shakhtar officials in an effort to gazump Arsenal to his signing. And with deeper pockets than Arsenal, there are growing claims they could get much closer to the monumental fee Shakhtar are demanding.
To add to Arsenal’s woes, Saturday’s Transfer Gossip reported that Mudryk is also having his head turned by Chelsea’s interest. Previously, the player has made clear his desire to join Arsenal and publicly making clear his admiration for Arteta and the Gunners.
As a result, it was also claimed that those fears are driving Arsenal towards the signing of a Plan B instead.
However, trusted reporter David Ornstein of The Athletic is adamant Arsenal’s pursuit for Mudryk remains on course.
Speaking to NBC Sports, Ornstein believes there is optimism with Arsenal that the deal can still go through.
“Arsenal’s interest remains strong. I think they’re staying calm. They’ll continue the conversations and there is optimism within the Emirates that with patience, they will get this done, given that the player has said he’d like to join them.
“His priority though is the Premier League, and perhaps that’s where Chelsea get a taste for this. As I understand it, Chelsea are monitoring the situation. They’re interested in all top young players, if the price is right and that’s the problem here with Shakhtar. They are not budging on that €100m valuation.”
Arsenal hopes still burn bright
If Arsenal are to secure a deal, it is likely they will have to increase their bid a third time.
Chelsea’s interest does pose a problem and it may well take a firm decision from Mudryk himself to force through the move.
And while the deal remains a possibility, Arsenal will continue to chase his signing. Comparisons can be drawn to the Raphinha saga last summer when Arsenal and Chelsea expressed interest in the Brazilian.
Chelsea actually came forward to Leeds with the highest bid, which was accepted. However, the winger’s desire to only sign for Barcelona meant Leeds were forced to negotiate with the Spaniards only. As a result, Raphinha moved to Spain but for a lesser fee they could have received from Chelsea.
And that scenario is one Arsenal will hope to repeat with Mudryk seemingly favouring the Emirates first and foremost.
With 18 goal involvements in 18 games this season, his quality is clear for all to see.