Arsenal's pursuit of Shakhtar winger Mykhaylo Mudryk looks to be reaching a conclusion, with the winger appearing close to a move to north London in this January transfer window.
The Ukrainian winger has been targeted to provide additional depth for the Gunners in attack, with long-term injuries this season to Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe. This has led to Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy targeting the winger who has impressed in this season's Champions League, with three goals in six matches.
Arsenal did make some moves in the summer to strengthen their attack, with Jesus and Fabio Vieira both joining the club, but with this transfer they will hope to provide a different aspect to the Premier League leaders.
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He is believed to be perfectly suited to Arsenal's system, with the Coaches Voice outlining his role in a recent profile of the 22-year-old. It reads: "The main position Mudryk has played throughout his career so far has been on the left wing, usually as part of a front three – in Shakhtar Donetsk’s 4-3-3, for example."
This role on the left-hand side would allow the Ukraine international to team up with international teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left flank for Arsenal. In addition, his familiarity with playing in a 4-3-3 will be ideal for Arteta and Arsenal with the Gunners boss having changed approach this season.
During the early years of his tenure, Arteta favoured a 4-2-3-1 before changing to a 4-3-3 this season by moving Granit Xhaka higher up the pitch and his side have thrived ever since. The change in shape has seen them hit the summit of the Premier League, with Manchester City five points behind the table-topping Gunners.
According to Italian outlet FootMercato, Arsenal have taken a huge step towards reaching an agreement with Shakhtar for Mudryk as the report claims the Kroenke family have given sporting director Edu the green light to meet the winger's asking price.
Football.london understands the Gunners have submitted two bids for Mudryk, the first of which totalled around £55million plus add-ons. Shakhtar are holding out for around £88m and it is claimed that the two clubs are close to agreeing a fee plus bonuses in a major boost for Arteta.
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