Arsenal's transfer priority for the January window appears to be Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk. football.london understands that the Gunners made an opening bid worth a total of £55million for the 21-year-old last week.
However, the Ukrainian outfit rejected that first approach from the north London side, but it appears to have been more of a statement of intent and a marker of his value rather than a final offer. It seems as though there's plenty more to come, especially with confirmation of further talks.
Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin told club media days ago that discussions will continue, saying: "Now, literally in five minutes, I will have a phone conversation with Arsenal. We are open to negotiations, ready to exchange ideas and figures. If we will agree, then let it be so.”
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It appears as though those talks have resulted in yet another bid from the Gunners as the Evening Standard reports that an offer has been put forward. The report also claims that the deal on the table is currently worth up to £62million - an improvement on their previous offer.
However, little else is known at this stage as Fabrizio Romano claims that a crucial stage of talks is upon Arsenal in their hopes of landing the winger. He told CaughtOffside: "Arsenal bid for Mudryk is in excess of €50m guaranteed fee plus add-ons, sources don’t want to enter into details as it could be key moment of the negotiation.
“Arsenal are pushing, they are trying their best and the player is absolutely keen on the move. Chelsea also had contacts to explore the situation but they’d only act if Arsenal move will collapse. Arsenal remain the priority.”
It remains to be seen whether their latest bid will be accepted by Shakhtar or if another round of negotiations are needed to work a deal out.
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