Mikel Arteta refused to answer a question on Arsenal's pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk at his pre-match press conference on Friday.
The Gunners are interested in signing Mudryk, 21, from Shakhtar Donetsk this month. The Ukraine international is enjoying a superb season, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in all competitions, and has four years remaining on his existing deal.
It's believed Arsenal have seen a £55million bid rejected by Shakhtar, with the Ukrainian club demanding £85m for their prized asset. Much has been said about Mudryk's ability, with Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi naming him as a future Ballon d'Or candidate.
Arsenal are said to be putting most of their January eggs in the Mudryk basket, yet Arteta wasn't interested in discussing the proposed transfer. The Spaniard has a reputation for refusing to answer questions on players who are not on Arsenal's payroll.
"I cannot talk about players that are not ours," said Arteta when asked. He was speaking ahead of his team's Premier League game against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, with the Gunners aiming to maintain their five-point lead at the top of the table.
Although Arteta is keeping his lips sealed on Mudryk, De Zerbi was happy to discuss him. The Brighton boss coached the youngster during his time in charge of Shakhtar. He told reporters on Friday: "Mudryk is a fantastic player, but Brighton can’t buy him.
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"I like him, because I like all my ex-players. But Brighton can’t buy him, Arsenal, I don’t know. I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk, he has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or."
Arsenal are thought to be considering a loan move for Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix, but Mudryk is their first-choice target. It's believed Shakhtar want around £85m for the youngster because Manchester United paid that figure for Brazilian Antony in the summer.
Shakhtar's deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini told Calciomercato : "Players have been sold that clubs wanted to sell and that we believe are no stronger than Mudryk with a valuation of around €100m (£88.7m), so the €60m (£53.2m) is not enough."
Shakhtar's CEO Serhiy Palkin provided an update on Mudryk's future on Thursday. He said: "Talks for Mudryk are on. We receive offers but not the ones we would like to see on our table. I'll speak again to Arsenal. So, yes, we are open to discussing fees and ideas.
"If we will agree, then let it be so. If we will not, then let it be another time. Now, literally in five minutes, I will have a new phone call conversation with Arsenal for the Mykhailo Mudryk deal."
Mudryk is said to have his heart set on a move to Arsenal. He recently told CBS: "I think every guy dreams about the Premier League. Arsenal is a very good team with a very good coach. I like the way they play. Yes, it would be hard to say no from my side, I can't say no but the transfer is not only my decision and my word."
