Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal is likely to be one of several transfer sagas when the January window opens in just over a week's time.
Links to the Shakhtar Donetsk winger first emerged in the summer as the Gunners were tipped to sign a replacement for Nicolas Pepe who had sealed a season-long loan move to French side OGC Nice. Although no deal for the 21-year-old materialised then, he has remained on the club's radar.
So much so that Shakhtar deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini has confirmed Arsenal's interest in signing Mudryk in the January transfer window: "Arsenal's interest is there, I can't deny it," he told TVPlay. "However, today he is called up for the first training camp which runs from January 9 to February 9, then in Warsaw we will prepare for the next European games.
READ MORE: Arsenal make Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer call after worrying Reiss Nelson injury update
"Many clubs have taken an indirect interest in Mudryk, without an official offer. There have been a lot of phone calls. I believe that today the Italian teams find it difficult to take a profile like this, both for what it is worth and for the lack of courage in investing in such a profile."
Now, fresh reports claim Arsenal have opened talks with Mudryk's representatives with a view to striking a deal and will be aware that Shakhtar's apparent £87million valuation of the winger could be significantly lowered - perhaps to around the £40million figure - should an agreement be reached.
Should this scenario play out then based on Mudryk's previous comments about potentially making the move to north London, agreeing personal terms shouldn't be much of a problem for Arsenal head of football operations Richard Garlick - whose main role entails negotiating contracts with both existing and new players.
"I think every player dreams of the Premier League. It’s hard to say but Arsenal is a very good team, very good coach," he told CBS Sports Golazo in September. "I like the way they play. From my side I can’t say no (to Arsenal) but a transfer is not just up to my decision."
This stance will almost certainly sit well with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has effectively already outlined his one non-negotiable when it comes to signing new players: "The moment we mention Arsenal, you know what it means around the world," he said in an interview with Gunners legend Ian Wright in 2020.
"Everybody wants to come here and we have a really clear idea of what we are. It doesn't need much convincing and if they do, for me it's not a good starting point. If I have to convince a player to stay or to join us. To Arsenal? (Arteta grimaces) It holds me back a little bit.
"It has to be 'what do we have to do? I want to play for that club and represent exactly the values the style of play that I want'. That's the kind of emotion I want to hear at the start. And the same with the players that are here. Once you finish what are the feelings you have towards the club? That's what really interests me."
The fact that the 21-year-old himself spoken so openly about the prospect of sealing a move to Arsenal all but indicates that he wouldn't need much convincing, thus meaning he has already met Arteta's one condition for a transfer and now it's just up to the two clubs to make his dream a reality.
READ NEXT:
Edu can save Arsenal millions and hand Mikel Arteta the perfect squad with three free transfers
Arsenal face triple suspension risk with William Saliba set for new role in West Ham clash
The three things that must happen when Arsenal face West Ham in Premier League return
Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United vying for world-class bargain for £8m in January transfer window
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
