Mykhaylo Mudryk might not be the January answer that Mikel Arteta needs to sustain a title-challenge according to one of the Gunners' former stars. The 22-year-old is undoubtedly the top target this month in a bid to further strengthen their depth in attack and reduce the load on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli's shoulders.
Arteta's men are still clear at the top of the league table and remain unbeaten in 11 league games but showed signs of frustration in their 0-0 draw against Newcastle, the first time they have failed to score in a league match since May. It's the first home league match they haven't registered a goal in since March.
Although a point against the high-flying Newcastle isn't necessarily a bad result, it did add to those clamouring for a move for Mudryk. Given Arsenal have had two bids for the forward rejected already it is proving to be anything but a formality despite his desire to play at the Emirates Stadium.
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However, with squad harmony part of the incredible run this season, William Gallas thinks that it could unsettle the squad. The team has been consistent this season with defined roles across the pitch allowing for repetitive actions to take place, bringing in a new player and the expectation that goes with that may not have the desired effect.
Speaking to Genting Casino Gallas voiced these concerns, saying: "I don’t know if Arsenal need Mykhaylo Mudryk for the second part of the season. Maybe they do. As I said the season is very long. But at the same time, Arteta has his squad already, players on the bench, players who can come on and play in that position."
Arsenal have four players with five or more goals this season, and 10 have scored two or more. In a fluid forward line that has also seen midfielders chip in too, Mudryk could provide added competition and a rogue element to boost their chances of winning the league.
He's a relative novice at the top level though and has only played 44 matches for Shakhtar Donetsk. Gallas isn't sure he's the answer to their problems. "It's really difficult yet to answer that question because I'm not there and I don't know what is going down," he explained. "So if they sign him, they know why. I'm sure Mudryk is a great player who can help the squad. So if that player can help them to win the title then they should buy him."
Chelsea have been ramping up the pressure on Arsenal to sign Mudryk with Shakhtar director Darijo Srna seen at Stamford Bridge during the Blues loss to Manchester City. Srna was also seen with old friend Willian, a former player for all three sides, amid reports that meetings were set to take place over a potential move to the blue part of London instead.
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