William Gallas has questioned Arsenal’s interest in Chelsea target Mykhaylo Mudryk, insisting it could stunt the progress of Eddie Nketiah.
The north London side have had two bids for Mudryk rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk, who value the winger at around £85milion.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his forward line following injury to summer signing Gabriel Jesus.
The 25-year-old Brazil international picked up a knee injury during the World Cup in Qatar, and is not expected to return until the end of February.
Arsenal have so far offered Shakhtar £45m for Mudryk’s services, which has been turned down.
It means Chelsea now have a clear run on the player, and they are reportedly set to meet with the players’ representatives over a potential deal.
Ex-Arsenal star Gallas insists his former side should forget about signing Mudryk, backing Nketiah of whom he believes has plenty of quality.
“I don’t know if Arsenal need Mykhaylo Mudryk for the second part of the season. Maybe they do,” Gallas told Getting Casino.
“As I said, the season is very long. But at the same time, Arteta has his squad already, players on the bench, players who can come on and play in that position like Nketiah.
“It’s really difficult to get an answer to that question because I’m not there and I don’t know what is going down. So if they sign him, they know why.
“I’m sure Mudryk is a great player who can help the squad. So if that player can help them to win the title then they should buy him.”
Nketiah has registered two goals across his first three top-flight games since the Premier League restart.
talkSPORT host Danny Murphy has also heaped praise on the 23-year-old and believes he can reach greater heights.
“I like him,” Murphy said. “Well, Jesus, before he went away didn’t score in 11. And [Nketiah has] started three and scored two.
“Now, he might not give you the other things Jesus gives you. But I think he’d score more goals in this Arsenal team, because they make chances. And his link-up’s not bad.”
