Arsenal were unable to sign a winger in the summer transfer window, despite the clear need to strengthen in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have a lot of pressure to perform until the next opportunity to address this area of the pitch opens.
And matters got worse in that regard for Arsenal during the Gunners’ friendly fixture against Juventus at the Emirates Stadium. Football.london understands that Reiss Nelson limped down the tunnel after coming off injured in the first half with what looked like a hamstring injury.
With the January transfer window set to open in two weeks, the need for more wing reinforcements has become even clearer. And Nelson’s injury could further pull Arteta in that direction.
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The two starting Arsenal wingers have been excellent throughout the season and are a major reason why the Gunners currently top the Premier League. Martinelli and Saka have both scored five goals this season, which is an impressive statistic considering they are scoring from wide areas.
But for the youngsters to keep this level of performance and intensity in the future, there will be times when they will need rest. With a lack of depth in quality in the wide areas, this has not been the case for Saka or Martinelli, with Arteta forced to play both in the Europa League group stage this season due to a lack of options.
With the Gunners projected to finish in a Champions League qualification spot next season, it is important that depth is added to the forward areas. Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk is 'pushing' to leave the Ukrainian outfit ahead of the January transfer window. The 21-year-old is attracting interest from the Premier League with Arsenal being heavily linked with making a bid for him.
Mudryk is one of the hottest talents in Europe at the moment having impressed for Shakhtar Donetsk this season, registering 16 goal contributions in 16 appearances in all competitions. The Gunners are in need of depth in wide areas as Mikel Arteta's side prepare to fight for the Premier League title, and given Nelson’s potential injury, a move for Mudryk may now be a priority.
Mudryk is still trying to force through a move to the Gunners, although the north London outfit are in disagreement with Shakhtar Donetsk over a big part of the deal, according to TEAMtalk. The Ukraine international has already admitted he would find it hard to "say no" if the Gunners came in with a bid for him.
football.london understands that interest in the Ukraine international has existed for some time and sporting director Edu Gaspar will be hoping he can find a breakthrough in negotiations and secure a move for Mudryk.
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