Arsenal are hoping to conclude a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk in the coming days after submitting a fresh transfer bid. The Gunners are hoping to sign a new attacker after Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury during the World Cup, keeping their £45million summer signing sidelined until February.
The returns of Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu will give Mikel Arteta more options to call upon heading into the second half of the season. The Spaniard remains keen on adding new faces to his squad as the north Londoners continue their Premier League title charge.
Arsenal have extended their gap at the top of the table to seven points with wins against West Ham and Brighton, after reigning champions Manchester City dropped points against Everton. Sporting director Edu Gaspar is looking to reinforce Arteta's squad with new signings in the January transfer window with a few key positions on the agenda to strengthen.
READ MORE: Edu identifies Mykhaylo Mudryk alternative as Shakhtar stall on Arsenal's £62m transfer offer
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal want to bolster their squad further by signing a left-sided centre-back and a new midfielder. The Gunners' focus at present is securing a deal for Mudryk, but they face competition from rivals Chelsea who are set to meet with Shakhtar chiefs this week in London.
There is a concern at centre-back with the lack of depth, despite Ben White and Tomiyasu both being able to play in that position. Rob Holding remains the only capable back-up option should either Gabriel Magalhaes or William Saliba suffer long-term injuries.
A new central midfielder has been on Arsenal's agenda since the summer after the club missed out on a deal to sign Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz on deadline day. The Gunners had three bids rejected by the Villans with the Brazilian signing a new contract to stay at Villa Park just weeks after the summer transfer window slammed shut.
Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Youri Tielemans, but would prefer to wait until the end of the season when they can sign the Leicester star on a free transfer, football.london understands. Other midfielders linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium include Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, whilst at centre-back Eintracht Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka has been linked with a move to north London.
It's clear that Edu has plans to revamp and strengthen key areas of the squad in January and the upcoming summer transfer window. New signings will be required should Arsenal qualify for the Champions League next season and it could see them attract higher-profile stars from across Europe.
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