TERMS AGREED: Edu is going to push to sign ‘incredible’ player now, Arsenal are the frontrunners – Expect announcement soon
Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar is going to push to sign Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk now, with The Evening Standard reporting that the Gunners are the frontrunners to land him.
Mikel Arteta looks set to bring in some fresh faces this month as he aims to keep his side at the top of the Premier League.
Gabriel Jesus’ injury was an unwanted setback for the Gunners and the Brazilian looks set to be sidelined for at least two months.
Arsenal identified Mudryk as their priority target ahead of the January transfer window and are already locked in negotiations with Shakhtar.
But The Independent revealed yesterday that Chelsea are attempting to hijack the 22-year-old’s move to north London and now Arsenal are set to step up their attempts to wrap up a deal.
Arsenal going to push to sign Mudryk
The Evening Standard reports that both Arsenal and Chelsea are set to accelerate negotiations for Mudryk this week.
Shakhtar’s chief executive, Sergei Palkin, is currently in London for talks over the winger and has set an asking price worth £85 million.
The outlet notes that Arsenal have already made an offer for the Ukrainian worth around £60 million, but it’s set to be rejected.
Of course, Shakhtar’s position has been strengthened by the fact Chelsea have entered the race but the Gunners remain frontrunners to land him.
There was a time, not too long ago, that Arsenal would have been worried about Chelsea hijacking their advances for any player. But times have changed and Arteta’s side is arguably one of the best places for any promising young player to go now.
The ‘incredible’ Mudryk has already dropped plenty of hints that he is keen on a move to north London. The only thing that will seemingly prevent it from happening is if Arsenal are unwilling to meet Shakhtar’s asking price.
Chelsea’s interest certainly throws a spanner in the works for the Gunners as they will now have to compete with their rivals, which is likely to lead to Shakhtar demanding more money.
Despite the Blues’ interest, Arsenal need to push the boat out for Mudryk as they aim to push for their first Premier League title in 20 years.
The youngster has shown he is capable of playing at the top level and impressed in the Champions League this season, scoring three times and assisting twice.
If there was ever a time to go big in January, for Arsenal that time is now. With Jesus sidelined and a lack of depth across the front-free, Mudryk could be the difference for Arteta’s side.
