Arsenal are prioritising a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk as they look to conclude a deal before the end of the January transfer window. Shakhtar Donetsk are adamant that their star attacker will not leave unless the Gunners match their £88million asking price.
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar has tabled two bids for Mudryk so far, with neither coming close to the Ukrainian outfit's valuation. The latest reports suggest the Kroenke family has now given Edu the funds to be able to submit a higher offer than their previous £62million bid, with Shakhtar easing their stance.
Gabriel Jesus' knee injury has left Mikel Arteta with just one senior striker in the form of Eddie Nketiah. The 23-year-old has scored four goals in his last four appearances, but the lack of depth in attack remains an issue for the Gunners - even with the return of Emile Smith Rowe from injury.
READ MORE: Edu must avoid January 'upset' as Arsenal hunt Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer amid Mikel Arteta demand
Mudryk has publicly praised Arteta and his team in interviews whilst actively dropping transfer hints on social media as he pushes for a move to the Emirates Stadium. The Ukraine international has returned to training with Shakhtar for their winter training camp in Turkey as talks continue between the two clubs.
Shakhtar sporting director Darijo Srna has been spotted talking with Mudryk at the training camp, with fans theorising that they are discussing his future at the club. The Ukrainian winger clearly has a desire to join the Gunners after admitting to being 'blown away' by the support Arsenal fans have shown him since reports first revealed the north London outfit were interested in signing him.
Srna was also spotted at Stamford Bridge last week in Todd Boehly's private box after it was revealed that Chelsea were plotting a late attempt to hijack Arsenal's move for Mudryk. It seems as though the player has his heart set on a move to join Arteta's squad, however, and could aid their Premier League title challenge in the second half of the season.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal could be set for transfer windfall if £35m star completes Premier League return
Arsenal face double suspension risk with William Saliba and Bukayo Saka for Tottenham clash
Arsenal transfer news: Mykhaylo Mudryk latest as Mikel Arteta sends Edu striker plea
Two Arsenal players who could leave in January amid Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix talks
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
