Arsenal have tabled two transfer bids for Mykhaylo Mudryk but neither have been accepted by Shakhtar Donetsk. The Gunners' initial £55million bid was rejected with an improved offer of £62million still being discussed between the two clubs.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Shakhtar are set to continue this week with Mudryk having reunited with his teammates ahead of a winter training camp in Turkey. The 22-year-old has caught the eye this season with his impressive displays in the Champions League, registering 18 goal contributions in 18 appearances for the Ukrainian outfit in all competitions.
Chelsea remain interested in signing Mudryk but the Ukraine international has his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium following a number of hints he has dropped on social media and in interviews. The Blues are willing to outbid any rival offer to secure a deal for the winger - which could see the Gunners forced into signing an alternative to strengthen Mikel Arteta's attacking options before the January transfer window closes.
READ MORE: Arsenal closing in on Mykhaylo Mudryk 'full agreement' as Edu makes £88m transfer decision
Barcelona beat both Chelsea and Arsenal to the signing of Raphinha last summer despite completing a deal to sign Ferran Torres from Manchester City in January last year. Xavi Hernandez has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, but given the Catalan club's financial problems they may now be looking to sell on a number of star players.
According to Spanish journalist Jose Alvarez, Barca are looking to move on Raphinha, Torres and Ansu Fati which could see them net a total of £194million - judging by their individual market valuations, according to CIES Football Observatory. The Gunners were linked with a move for the former before the Brazilian sealed a £55million move to the Camp Nou.
Torres has been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium for a number of weeks following his performances for Spain at the World Cup. Fati could be allowed to leave Barcelona despite signing a contract extension in 2021 that will keep him at the club until 2027, with a €1billion (£846million) release clause included in the deal.
Barca would have to accept a fee much lower than the 20-year-old's release clause with CIES Football Observatory valuing the youngster at €50million (£44million). Raphinha is valued at €60million (£53million) whilst Torres could fetch a fee in the region of €110million (£97million).
Arsenal are reported to have found a breakthrough in negotiations with Shakhtar - who are standing firm on their £88million valuation - with the Kroenke family having given sporting director Edu Gaspar the green light to improve the club's offer and seal a deal for the 22-year-old. Should the move fall through for any reason, the Gunners now have three options at Barcelona that they could look to sign instead.
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