Mykhaylo Mudryk’s signing is an inevitability this month

Arsenal are determined to bring Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk to the Emirates this month and it seems inevitable that the Ukrainian international will join the club.

The Gunners are keen to sign attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window and reports have also emerged of a potential loan move being made for wantaway Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

For now, though, Mudryk is the club’s priority and a second bid has been made for the 21-year-old. Shakhtar CEO Serhiy Palkin revealed in the wake of Arsenal’s failed opening proposal that they would be willing to negotiate for Mudryk, and it’s believed that the Ukrainian club have softened their stance in regard to the player’s value.

While several clubs are said to be in the running for Mudryk, including Newcastle and Chelsea, the winger only has eyes for north London and Arsenal should be able to strike a deal soon.

Mykhaylo Mudryk’s signing is an inevitability this month

Mudryk’s desire to join the Gunners this month means Shakhtar have very little leverage in negotiations. The 21-year-old has previously discussed his openness to a Premier League move and his desperation to sign for the Premier League leaders was shown in a pair of Instagram stories during Arsenal’s last two outings.

His second story, posted during the 4-2 victory over Brighton, saw him label both Mikel Arteta and Roberto de Zerbi, his former boss at Shakhtar, as two top coaches.

Mudryk is thirsty for a bit of Arteta-ball at the carpet, and he’ll hope that a deal between the two clubs can be struck soon.

Arsenal are believed to have sent an increased offer to Shakhtar for the winger’s services and while the bid still falls short of their £85m valuation, there’s hope that a compromise can be reached.

It may take some time – perhaps longer than Mudryk and the Gunners would like – but given the player’s desire and Arsenal’s need for winter attacking reinforcements, it’s hard to envisage the Ukrainian international not ending up as a Gooner by the time February rolls around.