Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Kieran Horn

Arsenal chief makes Mikel Arteta transfer promise as Edu closes in on £88m Mykhaylo Mudryk deal

Arsenal's Chief Executive Officer Vinai Venkatesham has provided a number of updates on the Gunners' dealings in the January transfer window, but refused to comment on the ongoing Mykhaylo Mudryk saga. Two bids have been sent to Shakhtar and both have been rejected by the Ukrainian club, but Arsenal remain "confident and optimistic" a deal can be completed.

The Gunners' pursuit of Mudryk is well-known and despite interest emerging from Chelsea and Shakhtar's high demands, Fabrizio Romano has given the latest update on the positive mindset Arsenal have of agreeing a deal for the 22-year-old.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: “We can confirm that Arsenal are confident and optimistic. They feel they can sign the player before the end of the window, but at the moment, it is not close to being completed yet.”

READ MORE: Edu has already hinted at Arsenal making second Raphinha move amid Barcelona transfer decision

Much of the focus in the January window has been aimed at Mudryk, although Arsenal are still keen to add numbers to their first-team squad notably in central midfielder and specifically another left-footed centre back to provide cover for Gabriel Magalhaes.

Edu and Mikel Arteta undoubtedly know what their plans are for the January transfer window, with Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham insisting there is also a clear long-term plan regarding recruitment at the club.

"We’ve got a very clear plan, headed up by Edu, in terms of what we want to do to strengthen the squad," Venkatesham told Sky Sports. Every transfer window of course, we’re going to look to see what opportunities are out there.

"If something makes sense from a technical perspective and a financial perspective, of course, we’ll look at it but we’re happy with the squad that we’ve got.

"We’ll have a look around like we do in every transfer window but we’ve got a long-term plan."

Multiple reports and even hints from Arteta show that Mudryk is the priority for the winter, but Venkatesham remained coy on giving any significant update on the Gunners' pursuit of the winger adding: "You know the answer I’m going to give you. We’re not going to talk about specific players."

READ NEXT:

Arsenal could be set for transfer windfall if £35m star completes Premier League return

Shakhtar Donetsk chief spotted with Mykhaylo Mudryk as Arsenal close in on £88m transfer

Arsenal face double suspension risk with William Saliba and Bukayo Saka for Tottenham clash

Arsenal transfer news: Mykhaylo Mudryk latest as Mikel Arteta sends Edu striker plea

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.