Arsenal have been told they need to up their offer for Mykhailo Mudryk after seeing an opening bid turned down by Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Gunners are keen on the Ukrainian winger with Mikel Arteta keen on adding to his attacking options in January. And Mudryk is keen on the move - this week making a point of posting himself on social media watching Arsenal's win over West Ham - never hiding his ambitions of moving to North London.
"I do dream (of the Premier League ). I think every guy dreams about the Premier League, he told CBS. "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."
Mirror Football understands that an opening offer worth in the region of £55million has been rejected by Shakhtar.
That bid would represent one of the highest in Arsenal’s history with the North London side having only paid more for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and record signing Nicolas Pepe.
However the Ukrainians are standing firm - at least for now - on Mudryk's valuation, and want Arsenal to pay a club record fee to bring him to the Emirates. According to a number of sources, his current employers are holding out for a deal closer to £85m, including add-ons.
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It remains to be seen whether Arsenal go that high but there is apparent optimism an agreement can eventually be found between the two clubs. But negotiations are ongoing with the winger remaining Arsenal’s number one target for the upcoming January transfer window - despite the injury suffered by Gabriel Jesus.
Mudryk has shone for Shakhtar this season having established himself in the first team last term. The 21-year-old has made 18 appearances for the side this season, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in all competitions. That form has been good enough to see him earn eight appearances for the Ukraine national side.
Arteta refused to comment on Mudryk watching his potential future employers in action in their recent festive victory against West Ham
Speaking after the win over the Hammers, he said: "I never speak of players that are not with us… but it’s a good thing for England that you don't have many other games in other countries! Hopefully we gave all the people a good show with this game."
