There could be a fresh development with regard to the Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal transfer saga in the next few hours.
Other than the Gunners seeing a second bid - thought to be in the region of £62million - for the Ukraine international rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk and reports of London rivals Chelsea attempting to hijack a deal, in truth, not much else of any real significance has actually happened.
Yes, Mudryk himself continues to tease a move with his social media activity but with no indication, as of yet, that a third bid is being prepared, it's very much a waiting game and it's interesting to note that all five first-team additions Mikel Arteta has overseen in a January transfer window as Arsenal boss have been completed within the final 10 days.
READ MORE: Arsenal tipped to complete seven January transfers including Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix
In an ideal world, the Spaniard would already be able to call upon the 22-year-old for Monday's FA Cup tie away at Oxford United, but the sticking point is the transfer fee. For the Gunners to reach an agreement with the Ukrainian side they may need to make the winger their new record signing at €100million (£88.2million).
However, as football.london understands the north London outfit are reluctant to go that high, Arteta has delivered his verdict on whether big spending from the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United is making negotiations with Shakhtar for Mudryk more difficult.
"I don't know. Obviously, valuation have to be made between the selling club and the buying club," he said in his pre-Oxford press conference. " It is difficult but as well, it shows a lot of clubs with a lot of financial power to spend big amounts and we have to compete with them. We have to be smart, we have to see for good opportunities as well. We have to be attractive for players."
With that said, a clear indication over Mudryk's' future could come shortly as Shakthar's training camp in Turkey begins on Monday January 9. Of course, it should be pointed out that the winger is expected to be part of the squad, as revealed by the club's deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini.
"Mudryk has received the message, like all the other players, to show up for the training camp in Antalya on January 9," Nicolini said when speaking to TVPlay last month. "Arsenal's interest is there, I can't deny it. 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.
"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."
As a result, all eyes will be on Shakthar confirming their squad that travels to Turkey - which if last year is any indication will be announced on the day of departure - and whether or not there is a u-turn regarding their decision to call-up Mudryk amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.
If, as expected, the winger does fly out with his teammates then that effectively guarantees no agreement has been reached with Arsenal over a transfer. Although, were the winger to be left out it could point towards there finally being a breakthrough in negotiations and this saga drawing to a close.
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