Shakhtar Donetsk chief Carlo Nicolini has dropped a huge hint over a potential move for youngster Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal in January. It comes after the Gunners missed out on a deal for the Ukrainian international in the summer, but they could look to make another approach in the next window.
Mikel Arteta could use the winter to reinforce his squad in an unlikely title push as the side currently sit top of the Premier League table at the break point for the season due to the World Cup. While they have done well to reach this point and hold a five point lead, the manager has already bemoaned his lack of squad depth at times.
“That’s the squad that we have and we have to try to utilise the squad in the best possible way,” Arteta said after defeat to Brighton in the EFL Cup. "We know where we are and we knew the moment we had certain injuries that the squad is already very, very short."
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Some areas need addressing more than others in the January transfer market, with the midfield and wide positions needing extra depth. A number of players continue to be linked with a switch to help those problems, with Mudryk being one that continues to arise.
The youngster has impressed for Shakhtar since being linked, stepping up in the Champions League to attract many suitors too. However, his heart appears to be set on a move to the Emirates Stadium after dropping several hints over a move to north London in interviews.
Now club chief Nicolini has addressed a move in January, telling TuttoJuve: "Now it will be time to get back in contact with the club, the agent and Mychajlo to see if anyone will start a negotiation. He's a great professional, he'll leave these voices to his agents. We'll see if anything happens or not".
While he hasn't specifically stated which club they will be in contact with, interviewer Mirko Di Natale confirmed on Twitter that it was Arsenal, claiming they have made a "significant offer".
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