As much as Arsenal's transfer policy has changed for the better in recent times, there still appears to be one unfortunate trend in and amongst it all.
When it comes to signing players, the Gunners have been fortunate enough to secure some of the best to ever grace the pitch, but it's also well-known that there have been many to have gotten away. From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde, Arsenal have narrowly missed out on their fair share of incredible talents.
Although they may not be viewed in the same bracket as the names mentioned above, Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta became two of the latest players to have been heavily linked to the club only for them to move elsewhere, to Premier League rivals in fact.
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The Brazilian midfielders are both technically gifted and comfortable operating in roles where Arsenal's squad arguably lacks depth or quality, yet despite being on the market, Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu decided against pursuing either of them. Guimaraes, in particular, is a strange one considering he moved at a time when Arsenal were struggling for numbers in central midfield. It's hard not to look at his impact at Newcastle and think he would have been a perfect fit.
It can be painful seeing your club miss out on a rising star and Arsenal fans will know that the possibility of it happening again very much remains heading into January. Mykhaylo Mudryk is someone many will be familiar with at the moment. Labelled the "Ukrainian Neymar", Mudryk has established himself as one of the most talented and promising young players in the game having impressed for both club and country in recent months.
Possessing electric pace, tricky feet, never-ending energy and an eye for goal, the 21-year-old is proving to be an absolute nightmare for opposition defenders. Two goals and three assists, four of which have come in the Champions League so far this season, highlight the impressive form Mudryk is currently enjoying. However, all of it may turn out to be costly for Arsenal.
That's because a host of clubs including Liverpool, Newcastle, Sevilla and Ajax, among others, are said to be interested in the player, just months after Mudryk somewhat came close to joining Arsenal. The Ukrainian international was one of the names being looked at to replace Nicolas Pepe this summer football.london understands, but injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny meant a new midfielder was prioritised instead.
Arsenal's recruitment team received glowing reports about his talent and temperament according to The Athletic, who add that contact was established with Mudryk's camp and a formal bid is thought to have been considered before the injuries in midfield were sustained. Despite missing out on Mudryk for the time being, Arsenal still have some hope to cling onto after he admitted that it would be hard to say no to them if they were to reignite their interest in the winter window.
"I do dream (of the Premier League). I think every guy dreams about the Premier League," he told CBS Sports Golazo. "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," Mudryk added.
Nonetheless, it's now looking increasingly likely that Arsenal will face major competition for his signature, competition that could continue to grow after Brighton & Hove Albion appointed Mudryk's former manager Roberto De Zerbi to replace Graham Potter. De Zerbi spent 14 months at Shakhtar Donetsk before leaving in July, playing a key role in Mudryk's development.
The Seagulls find themselves in a healthy position financially after receiving a combined £153million from the sales of Ben White, Marc Cucurella, Yves Bissouma and Neal Maupay, meaning they should have no problem with matching Mudryk's reported valuation of upwards of £43million. Additionally, De Zerbi will no doubt have a good relationship with senior figures at Shakhtar should he wish to reunite with the in-demand winger.
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