Arsenal have reportedly made Mykhaylo Mudryk their top target for the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta seeks to continue his side's title push.
The Gunners are top of the Premier League, having lost just one game all season, but are preparing for a renewed fightback from Manchester City. Arteta will need to reinforce his squad in the winter window, with his options at risk of becoming stretched if injuries hit.
One of the areas most in need of fresh faces is in attack, with the back-ups to starting wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli having failed to make much of an impact. Gabriel Jesus' injury during the World Cup could also force Arteta to reshuffle his pack in forward areas, meaning at least one new signing is needed.
According to The Athletic, one of the players who Arteta is hoping to bring in is Mudryk, who has impressed for Shakhtar Dontesk. The Gunners are said to be 'prepared' to back Arteta in the transfer market, if the right opportunity arises.
Mudryk is seen as being a 'priority target' with there being a 'good chance' he moves to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are in contact with both Shakhtar and and Mudryk's representatives.
The winger is thought to be keen to move to the Premier League, with the Gunners also being his desired destination. Nothing has yet been agreed though as talks over a fee continue.
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His price has risen exponentially since Brentford saw a £21million deal collapse last summer. Now, it is thought that Shakhtar are hoping to bring in £85.9m in return for selling Mudryk, though a lower fee could be acceptable.
Arsenal have drawn up a list of alternative targets, but Mudryk is thought to be the focus of their attention. Shakhtar's director of football, Darijo Srna, has also hinted that his side will be looking for a huge fee.
“Who wants to sign Mudryk has to pay a big amount of money — otherwise our president will not sell him. Jack Grealish was sold for more than 100m and Mudryk’s level is not lower,” he told Marca.
That injury to Jesus may force Arteta to change his transfer plans, with the Brazilian striker having undergone surgery. And the Spaniard has hinted that the Gunners could have a busy January window.
"What it affects is who we are as a team because he gives us so much, so what we can do after that, when we know the timescale and when we can have him back, we will look at the options and try to make the right decision," Arteta said after Arsenal defeated Lyon.
"I feel like my squad is really good. Unfortunately, we've had injuries and we will try to see what we can do to be strong. We have players, we have a lot of accompanying players. Do we have the players that can give us the performances and the consistency that we need to maintain and improve from where we are?
"It's a new experience for everybody. We have tried to prepare in the best possible way. It's very important for us to have this camp, as it is very important as well to get the players back who have participated in the World Cup in the best possible way, as quickly as possible."
