At the beginning of the season, few critics would've backed Arsenal to be in a commanding position at the top of the Premier League table in January.
Yet Mikel Arteta's side have proved the doubters wrong by establishing a big lead over Manchester City. Now the challenge is to maintain it between now and the end of the season, with the bookies tipping Pep Guardiola's champions to chase them down.
As such, the Gunners may decide to enter the transfer market in January. Arsenal are yet to make their first signing of the window, but they continue to be linked with Ukrainian wonderkid Mykhailo Mudryk. Here are the latest rumours from the Emirates.
Mudryk latest
Arsenal have made an improved offer for Mudryk, the Mirror understands.
The Ukraine international, 21, is believed to be Arsenal's No.1 transfer target in January, but Shakhtar Donetsk are holding out for around £90million. It's thought their latest bid is more than the £55m plus add-ons offered earlier in the window.
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Mudryk has expressed a desire to play in the Premier League and recently described Arteta as a "top coach". The emerging talent is enjoying a breakthrough season in Ukraine, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in all competitions.
Shakhtar's hierarchy are now expected to meet to discuss Arsenal's latest bid. Regardless of whether this offer is accepted, it's hoped a deal can be agreed between the two clubs before the end of the transfer window. There's still plenty of time for that to happen.
David move back on table
Lille manager Paulo Fonseca has admitted it will be difficult for the Ligue 1 side to keep hold of Jonathan David at the end of the term.
The Canada international, 22, has previously been linked with the Gunners after scoring 38 goals in 92 Ligue 1 games for Lille. David helped his currently employers win the Ligue 1 title in May 2021 and the Trophee des Champions three months later.
Arsenal are unlikely to sign David if they finalise a move for Mudryk, but the Lille star remains a good alternative. Speaking after Lille's game against Reims on Monday night, Fonseca said: "It will be difficult to keep him [David] at the club next season."
Rice becomes a target
Arsenal are interested in signing Declan Rice, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
Rice, 23, is one of the most sought after holding midfielders in Europe after impressing for West Ham and England. The two-time Hammer of the Year was made the London club's skipper last summer and recently represented his country at the Qatar World Cup.
Rice is expected to complete a summer transfer and it's said the Gunners are considering joining the race for his signature - battling the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool. They would be able to attract a player of Rice's quality if they qualify for the Champions League.
Rice would command a transfer fee of £100m, at the very least. He recently admitted his desire to play in Europe's premier competition. He said in December: "One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League.
"For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that. I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in."
