Newcastle United are hoping stop Arsenal in their quest to win the Premier League title but look powerless when it comes to denying the Gunners from signing transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk. Both English clubs have been heavily linked with the Shakhtar Donetsk forward, 21, in recent months after his breakout year in his native country.
Mudryk has caught the eye of many top teams around Europe after performances both at home and in the Champions League, with Arsenal currently leading the chase as they look to strengthen their squad next month. Speaking on Wednesday, Shakhtar chief Sergei Palkin confirmed Mikel Arteta's side were already in talks over a January move.
"Negotiations are continuing. We receive offers, but they are not the ones we would like to see on our table," Palkin told the club's official website. "Now, literally in 5 minutes, I will have a phone conversation with Arsenal.
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"We are open to negotiations, ready to exchange ideas and figures. If we will agree, then let it be so. If we will not, then let it be another time."
Newcastle were always going to face a tough task signing such a highly sought-after attacker in the January window. However, the league position Eddie Howe's side find themselves in does give them an advantage heading into a famously tricky transfer market.
Mudryk appears to have made his feelings crystal clear, however, after posting an Instagram story of him watching Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham on Boxing Day. The social media post caught the attention of fans in the red half of north London and Arteta himself.
"I never speak of players that are not with us," the Spaniard responded when asked about Mudryk's post. "But it’s a good thing for England that you don't have many other games in other countries! Hopefully we gave all the people a good show with this game."
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