Arsenal had a strong start to the summer transfer window addressing both the forward and defensive positions, which clearly needed strengthening towards the back of last season. Despite a good start to the window, more acquisitions were still needed towards the end of the market, which will now have Edu occupied in the winter window in January.
Two positions seem to be the main targets for the Gunners, as Edu had reportedly been chasing players in the midfield and wing areas. It looks as though the Brazilian is prioritising the wide areas as Arsenal have been hot on the tail for Ukrainian winger Mykhaylo Mudryk since the end of the summer window.
However, the Ukrainian’s successful exploits in the Champions League mean that Arsenal may have have to until after the January transfer window to sign the winger. This makes it far from ideal, as the Gunners need to immediately address the wide areas.
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According to Ukrainian news outlet football24tv, Arsenal held talks with Mudryk’s agents and were interested in signing the player in the summer. The report went on to say that Shakhtar Donetsk are asking for €35million (£30million).
Mudryk's services won't come cheap, however, as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that Shakhtar are due to hold out for at least £39.6m. Furthermore, depending on his progression over the remainder of the calendar year, they could end up boosting the asking price to over £44m.
Amid such interest in Mudryk, it appears as though the youngster is very open to a move to Arsenal, who seemingly need more depth in their wide areas. Speaking to CBS Sports, he said: "I think every guy dreams about the Premier League. It's hard to say [who his preferred move is] but Arsenal is a very good team, very good coach, I like the way they play."
When asked if he would make a move to the Emirates Stadium he said: "From my side, I can't say no [to Arsenal]. But the transfer is not only my decision."
The Gunners seem to currently be in a strong position to sign the promising winger. And to maintain this position if rival clubs begin to register interest, then it is important that Arteta has his side in pole position to qualify for the Champions League by the time the winter window opens.
But, this could still prove to be irrelevant. Shakhtar Donestk have surprisingly put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages this season after getting a draw against Real Madrid on Tuesday night. The result means that they sit one point behind RB Leipzig who are in second place, but the German side still need to play the holders of the competition again, while Shakhtar have already played Real Madrid twice.
With the Ukrainian side potentially qualifying, this could persuade Mudryk to stay at the club until the summer, which would not be good for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta has a lack of depth in the wide areas, and to give Bukayo Saka more rest, alongside more competition a new signing is crucial in January.
Mudryk would’ve been the ideal signing which has been proven with his impact in the Champions League, having already scored three goals so far. But, it seems the Gunners may be forced to wait if they want to secure his signature.
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