Arsenal may have found a cheaper alternative to Lucas Paqueta in the transfer market, instead turning their attention to a player described as the 'Ukrainian Neymar.'
The Gunners still want to strengthen their depth in attack, providing extra options despite a strong start to the Premier League season with Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli both impressing early doors.
Their work so far has focused on Lyon attacking midfielder Paqueta, but that deal appears to have stalled, with the French club's incoming owners keen on retaining their star player. That hasn't stopped Arsenal from looking into a long-term plan for the 24-year-old, similarly prioritising a move in a later window for the player, just like their strategy to bring in Youri Tielemans.
READ MORE: Youri Tielemans 'top of the list' for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta despite Edu's Lucas Paqueta plan
Paqueta scored nine times and assisted six in Ligue 1 last term and can play a mixture of positions from an orthodox midfield role, to an attacking midfielder, while also filling in as a makeshift striker and wide player too. His price tag is reportedly over £35m currently, though Lyon could play hard ball for an offer over £50m in order to keep their man.
That reluctance to reduce their asking price has led Edu to look elsewhere, most notably Yeremy Pino at Villarreal and Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, but with less than two weeks to go until the transfer window closes, there is a desire to get someone over the line and that could be a relatively unknown name.
According to French publication MediaFoot, Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk is on the list of players wanted by Arsenal, and he could be the perfect man to work with Jesus.
The 21-year-old is yet to show a clinical edge in front of goal, only scoring two senior goals for Shakhtar Donetsk in 26 matches, though he has somewhat become known more his incisive passing an brilliant assists. The Ukraine international registered seven assists for his teammates last season in just 11 matches, with nine goal contributions in those matches, including four assists in the same game.
His talent from the left wing has drawn comparisons with Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar, and at just €20m (£16.9m) he offers a realtively cheap, alternative option to the current Arsenal transfer targets. Having lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, with Nicolas Pepe seemingly set to join Nice on loan, there is room for Mudryk in the squad, and he could thrive under Mikel Arteta.
Brentford had already looked at acquiring the youngster but wouldn't pay his asking price, whilst Bayer Leverkusen and Nice are also reportedly interesting in signing the player as well.
There is currently no offer on the table but once Pepe does depart the club, even on a temporary basis, many expect that to signify the start of a more serious attempt to bring in a forward.
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