Arsenal table opening bid for priority target Mykhaylo Mudryk

As supporters were making their way to the Emirates to enjoy Arsenal’s first Premier League encounter since mid-November on Boxing Day, reports emerged of the club’s opening proposal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.

Mudryk is believed to be the Gunners’ priority target this January as they seek to bolster their attacking force. Mikel Arteta has spoken about the need to be busy in the market this winter and the club would ideally get their business wrapped up as soon as possible.

It’s understood that Arsenal won’t be making a move for a pure number nine in the upcoming window despite Gabriel Jesus’ injury and that Mudryk, if he was to eventually sign, will be the club’s only attacking reinforcement this winter.

However, bringing the 21-year-old to the Emirates may not be a simple task.

Arsenal table opening bid for priority target Mykhaylo Mudryk

Arsenal sent their opening proposal to Shakhtar for Mudryk on Boxing Day, but Fabrizio Romano understands that the Ukrainian club want ‘way more’ for their star winger. The Gunners’ bid was reported to be €60m including add-ons.

Mudryk’s desire to join the club should make things easier for the north Londoners, who celebrated their return to Premier League action with a 3-1 victory over West Ham on Monday night. The 21-year-old posted an Instagram story of himself tuning into the game and he’s made it clear in previous interviews that he’d be more than open to joining the Premier League leaders.

Thus, personal terms will not be an issue should Arsenal eventually agree a deal with Shakhtar.

Arteta gave little away when discussing Mudryk after the Gunners’ triumph over West Ham: “I never speak of players that are not with us… but it’s a good thing for England that you don’t have many other games in other countries!

“Hopefully we gave all the people a good show with this game”.

Despite Shakhtar’s stubbornness, this appears to be a deal the Gunners could wrap up pretty sharpish. However, Edu and co will be wary of not overpaying the odds for the raw Ukrainian.