Arsenal Transfers: Mykhaylo Mudryk remains the priority target for January

Arsenal are still very much intent on signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in January with the latest reports suggesting he is the club’s ‘priority’ target.

The Gunners have been linked with Mudryk since the summer and many expected a move to be made in January after the player himself said he’d be open to moving to the Emirates. However, Gabriel Jesus’ injury, which should see him miss a prolonged period, had some speculating whether Arsenal’s transfer plans would change.

There were reports of the club going after a versatile forward option in a bid to mitigate Jesus’ absence with the likes of Joao Felix and Cody Gakpo tenuously linked.

However, it appears that the club’s plans have not altered.

Mykhaylo Mudryk remains the priority target for January

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Monday morning that Mudryk is still Arsenal’s primary transfer target in January and the club are hopeful of striking a deal with Shakhtar.

Sources are confident that the Gunners can get this one over the line after the Ukrainian club lowered their initial €100m valuation of their star winger.

Mudryk attracted interest from several Premier League clubs in the summer before opting to stay with Shakhtar and he’s since seen his value soar following a productive Champions League group stage campaign. The Ukrainian international notched five goal contributions in six games as his side dropped down to the Europa League.

The winger was disappointed by Shakhtar’s hefty valuation as he believed it’d prevent him from moving on in 2023, but the Ukrainian giants have since softened their stance which should facilitate his departure in January. While Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit of the spritely winger, they seem to be the leading contenders for his signature at this stage.

Mikel Arteta is keen to add depth to his flanks and Mudryk is an X-factor talent that could emerge as one of Europe’s deadliest wingers given his skill set.