Arsenal had a strong start to the summer transfer window addressing both the forward and defensive positions, which clearly needed strengthening towards the back of last season. Despite a good start to the window, more acquisitions were still needed towards the end of the market, which will now have Edu occupied in the winter window in January.
Two positions seem to be the main targets for the Gunners, as Edu had reportedly been chasing players in the midfield and wing areas. It looks as though the Brazilian is prioritising these areas in January as the Gunners continue to be linked to players in those positions.
Youri Tielemans and Mykhaylo Mudryk are the two targets who have been heavily linked with a move the Gunners. And Edu has been given a major boost in securing their signature amid the players’ reported intentions.
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According to Ben Jacobs via GiveMeSport, Newcastle are very much not the frontrunners for Mudryk, who has got his heart set on Arsenal, which is similar to Tielemans. But the only missing piece is that Arsenal are yet to submit a transfer bid for either player.
Amid recent interest in Mudryk, Shakhtar Donetsk's deputy Sporting Director Carlo Nicolini spoke on a potential deal via Calciomercato. He said: “Arsenal and Manchester City are two teams that have taken an interest but there are also other clubs.
"We value Mudryk more than Antony of Manchester United, who cost €100million (£86million).”
Mudryk made an admission about his admiration for Arsenal that could boost chances of potential deal. Speaking to CBS Sports, he said: "I think every guy dreams about the Premier League. It's hard to say [who his preferred move is] but Arsenal is a very good team, very good coach, I like the way they play."
When asked if he would make a move to the Emirates Stadium he said: "From my side, I can't say no [to Arsenal]. But the transfer is not only my decision."
The Gunners also need to sign a midfielder due to a lack of depth and quality in the middle of the park, with Arteta admitting they lacked depth after the loss against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. CBS Sports reported earlier in the season that Tielemans would be available for £30million. However, a deal failed to materialise in the summer window as Mikel Arteta's side 'cooled' their interest in the Belgian earlier in the market, according to Sky Sports.
Tielemans could be extremely useful for Arsenal as Edu must look to sign more midfield reinforcements. Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey are two players whose place in the team are currently untouchable. Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohammed Elneny are the two backup players, but their levels in terms of experience and quality do not compare with the two starters.
With both Mudryk and Tielemans reportedly interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium, it could see Edu complete a double deal in January. With the Gunners currently sitting at the top of the Premier League, these signings could be a major boost for the title charge.
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