Here is your Arsenal transfer roundup on Monday, January 16.
Chelsea confirm Mudryk signing
Chelsea have announced the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk on a eight-and-a-half-year contract. The 22-year-old was a long-term target for Arsenal before the Blues stepped in to bolster their frontline.
He joins on an expected £62million deal with an additional £26million in add-ons. Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge the Ukraine star said: "I’m so happy to sign for Chelsea. This is a huge club, in a fantastic league and it is a very attractive project for me at this stage of my career. I’m excited to meet my new team-mates and I’m looking forward to working and learning under Graham Potter and his staff."
Mudryk was in attendance to witness Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 1-0 yesterday.
READ MORE: Edu targets Eden Hazard January transfer amid Arsenal's two Mykhaylo Mudryk rejected bids
Raphinha return
After missing out on Mudryk, Arsenal are expected to attempt to lure another winger to the club this month to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad. According to Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri, Arsenal have made contact with Barcelona over a move for Raphinha. The Gunners were after the Brazilian in the summer and now see a chance to finally get their man.
The north London side already have a tainted past when it comes to pursuit with Raphinha after the drama in the summer transfer window. Raphinha seemed to be the main target for the Gunners but a deal fell through after Chelsea attempted to hijack a deal, with the winger eventually joining Barcelona.
A deal for Raphinha would have been at the forefront of Arsenal fans' minds due to the club already having two left-footed wingers who are strongest on the right-hand side in Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe. But the squad had a shake-up, which created space for Raphinha in the team.
Chelsea revenge
An alternative to Raphinha could be former Chelsea target Rafael Leao. Speaking to RDPAfrica via Fabrizio Romano, Leao said: “Experience in a new league? Yes, in the future… but now I’m 100% focused on AC Milan — it’s a top club and I’m under contract there. I like the city too.
"I watch many games. This year, I like Arsenal — they’re playing very well."
Arsenal reportedly registered interest in Leao early last season as Italian outlet La Repubblica claimed that the Gunners had turned their attention to the AC Milan forward for the summer transfer window. It is a deal that Edu could look to revisit, as Arsenal could be short in the wing positions going into next season.
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