Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta just might get his wish after all, if reports claiming there has been a major breakthrough with regard to a 'full agreement' to sign Shakthar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk are true.
It's no secret that the Ukraine international has been the Gunners' priority for the January transfer window, although negotiations between the two clubs haven't been smooth sailing, to say the least as football.london understands that an initial £55million bid was rejected and it's thought that an improved offer of £62million wasn't enough either.
However, according to Italian outlet FootMercato, Arsenal have taken a huge step towards reaching an agreement with Shakhtar for Mudryk as the report claims the Kroenke family have given sporting director Edu Gaspar the green light to meet the winger's asking price.
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Furthermore, the report states that whilst the two clubs are still discussing bonuses, they are edging closer to an agreement on a transfer fee which could be around €100million (£88million). This development, if true, will certainly be music to the ears of Mikel Arteta as since becoming Arsenal manager in December 2019, he has overseen as many as three full January windows and in terms of incomings, there has been a particular recurring theme.
During this period, the Spaniard has signed five first-team players and what's interesting about all those deals is they have been completed with around 10 days to go until deadline day. This is something the Gunners boss was hoping to change heading into his fourth January transfer window.
"We knew the importance of getting players early in the summer and that is the same we want to do in January," the Spaniard said ahead of the Boxing Day win over West Ham. "This is idealistic. Sometimes it is not realistic. But obviously, if you ask my opinion, as quick as possible we want the players in to get settled."
So whilst the Gunners, for a change, may not be leaving it until the final 10 days of a January transfer window under Arteta to complete their first signing, there's another upcoming deadline that he and Edu are surely keeping in mind as it could have a major impact later in the week.
That is the player registration deadline as Arteta could have the option of handing out a debut to Mudryk in Sunday's North London Derby away at Tottenham Hotspur if a deal is completed in the coming days - however, this possible scenario can only happen if one condition is met.
As per the Premier League regulations, the Gunners would have to register the Ukraine international, or any new signings for that matter, by 12 noon on Friday, January 13 for him to be available for selection against Antonio Conte's side.
A statement reads: 'Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the Board of all duly completed documents required by these Rules to effect the registration of a Player shall be 12 noon on the last Working Day before the date of the first League Match in which the Club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a Club in a League Match).'
The fact that Mudryk is currently in Turkiye with the Shakthar squad for their training camp does mean Arsenal are somewhat facing a race against time to have an offer accepted, sort personal terms with the winger, oversee a successful medical and the signing of a contract all before 12 noon on Friday.
With that said, things in football do move fast so if the Gunners can reach an agreement with Shakthar within the next few hours, then there's every chance Mudryk's debut will come in the North London Derby - provided he is fit and available for selection, of course.
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