Here is your Arsenal transfer roundup on Sunday, January 15.
Chelsea make Mudryk announcement
Chelsea look set to complete their fifth January signing after hijacking Arsenal's move for Mykhaylo Mudryk, despite the Gunners submitting a third bid and being the closest they had ever been to agreeing a deal, as football.london reported earlier this week.
Within a few hours, reports went from revealing that the Blues had reached an agreement for Mudryk after meeting Shakhtar's valuation to the Ukrainian club's official English language Twitter account confirming talks had taken place.
The full statement from Shakhtar's English language Twitter account read: "FC Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali discussed Mykhailo Mudryk’s transfer to Chelsea FC today. Parties are very close to agree on player’s transfer to the club."
Chelsea have now released a statement of their own regarding Mudryk, which reads: "Chelsea are discussing terms with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of Mykhailo Mudryk.
"Should a deal be agreed between the two clubs then the Ukrainian international, who can operate as a winger or a forward, will discuss personal terms with the Blues ahead of a permanent transfer."
Vlahovic replacement lined up
Arsenal are yet to completely end their interest in Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic and the Gunners have now been given a huge boost they may be able to sign him either in January or the summer.
RB Salzburg forward Noah Okafor, who has also been linked with a Premier League move, has been lined up as the ideal Vlahovic replacement by Juventus if he does leave the club, according to Tutto Juve.
Okafor has previously been described as a 'jewel' amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool. Now Juventus have thrown their hat into the race and the price tag set by Salzburg in November 2022 is certainly appealing.
Tutto Mercato Web claim that the Austrian champions will demand around €35 million (£30million) for the 22-year-old. After missing out on Mudryk, the Gunners could level up their interest in Okafor as a perfect alternative to the Ukrainian winger.
Arsenal make contact for Mudryk alternative
Arsenal have shown an interest in Real Betis winger Luiz Henrique, contacting the Spanish club about the 22-year-old’s situation.
That’s according to ABC Sevilla, who say the Brazilian has "caught the eye" of scouts from north London and elsewhere. They explain that Henrique has become " the sensation of Real Betis" this season, starring under Manuel Pellegrini since a move from Fluminense in the summer.
It is also claimed the Gunners have sent scouts to watch the player live and have been thoroughly impressed by him. However, at this moment in time Pellegrini and co aren’t interested in selling and are instead excited about the player with the aim of keeping Henrique for the time being.
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