Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have a lot of pressure to perform until the next opportunity to address this area of the pitch opens.
One player who the club were reportedly looking to sign in the summer transfer window was Mykhaylo Mudryk. But, due to how late in the window the Gunners seemed to register interest in him, a deal seemed too difficult to complete.
The Ukrainian winger sent Edu a reminder of why Arsenal should once again look to pursue a deal in January as he played a pivotal role in Shakhtar Donestk’s opening 4-1 victory in the Champions League against RB Leipzig on Tuesday night.
READ MORE: Edu given transfer reminder as Portugal star admits "I had a chance to go" amid Arsenal interest
Mudryk scored a goal and contributed to two more by providing assists for his teammates. His dominance in European’s elite competition showcased the talent he possesses and why Edu must look to wrap up a deal before more potential suitors register an interest in him.
According to Ukrainian news outlet football24tv , Arsenal held talks with Mudryk’s agents and were interested in signing the player in the summer. The report went on to say that Shakhtar Donetsk are asking for €35million (£30million).
However, the Gunners were not the only Premier League club interested in the winger. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also revealed that Everton were hot on the tail on Mudryk as well.
Romano tweeted: "Keep an eye on top talent Mykhaylo Mudryk. Everton had €30million (£25million) verbal proposal turned down by Shakhtar Donetsk last week. Arsenal have explored conditions of Mudryk deal few days ago - but just on player side. Many clubs want him, one to watch until the end."
Arsenal have already brought in Mudryk's compatriot Oleksandr Zinchenko this summer, signing the midfielder for £32million from Premier League rivals Manchester City. As one of the most gifted young players in Ukraine, Mudryk has attracted the attention of various European clubs in recent times.
Arteta was thought to be on the lookout for a new winger before the summer window slammed shut, and the unsuccessful pursuit of Raphinha has been the strongest hint yet that the club is serious about recruiting one. Considering there hasn't been any movement since suggests that the chance to try and secure the Brazilian's services was too good to ignore.
Despite that possible explanation, Romano has claimed that Edu already has his sights set on another winger, but Arsenal's silent approach is making it difficult to get clarity over who it could be. Arsenal have been linked with a 'mystery winger', which according to Fabrizio Romano, remains a position Edu and Mikel Arteta want to address.
Mudryk could be the winger that the Gunners sign in the January transfer window. If he continues his excellent performances in the Champions League, he will be impossible to ignore.
READ NEXT:
Why Bukayo Saka isn't registered for Arsenal clash with FC Zurich ahead of Europa League opener
Edu's risky Arsenal summer transfer call is already proving to hand Mikel Arteta key £30m gift
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
Albert Sambi Lokonga makes Mikel Arteta fume as Arsenal face biggest test of progress
Arsenal transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'
