DONE DEAL: MUDRYK MYKHAILO JOIN ARSENAL FOR $70M AND SOON WE GET READY FOR MEDICAL SOON

 DONE DEAL: MUDRYK MYKHAILO JOIN ARSENAL FOR $70M AND SOON WE GET READY FOR MEDICAL SOON

 Arsenal continue to chase Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk during the opening few days of the January transfer window.

The talented 22-year-old has made no secret of his admiration for the Gunners, although Shakhtar’s steep valuation of the player could make any deal difficult to pull off this month – especially when you consider that London rivals Chelsea are also keen on the Ukrainian international.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be hoping that they can get a deal over the line as soon as possible, with a North London Derby against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur looming before they host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium shortly after.

Shakhtar are sticking to their £85million asking price of Mudryk with Chelsea said to be willing to outbid any rival offer whilst Arsenal appear to be refusing to be drawn into any bidding war.

So, with that in mind, football.london has taken a look at all the latest news linking the tricky wideman with a move away from the Ukrainian giants.

Arsenal confidence

Arsenal are confident of securing a deal for Mudryk in the coming weeks, according to Fabrizio Romano in his Caught Offside column. The transfer reporter claimed:

“Of course Arsenal are confident, and Arteta too, but reaching an agreement with Shakhtar is crucial, they were so strong in negotiations also in August when they turned down €30million from Everton when it sounded like a great bid.

“No deadlines have been mentioned in the negotiations, as of now; talks continue.”

Arteta hint

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has dropped a potential hint that his side will beat rivals Chelsea to landing a move for Mudryk in the January window.

When asked about difficulties landing players this market, he told reporters: ““I don’t know. Obviously, valuation have to be made between the selling club and the buying club.

“It is difficult but as well, it shows a lot of clubs with a lot of financial power to spend big amounts and we have to compete with them.

We have to be smart, we have to see for good opportunities as well. We have to be attractive for players.”

Before adding: “At the end players decide where they want to play, and if they want to play for our club, this is great.”

It could be a huge indicator towards the 22-year-old moving to north London, having clearly hinted at wanting a move to the club on social media.

Mudryk’s preference

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now reported that a move to the Emirates remains Mudryk’s preference despite interest from Chelsea in recent times.

Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Bailey said: “He wants to go to Arsenal, he’s made that clear over the past 24 hours as well from our understanding.

Arsenal are not too amused by Chelsea coming in. You can’t stop them from talking to Darijo Srna, but there is a belief in the Arsenal camp that it will get done.

“I think Shakhtar will come back down, there is a belief that agreement will come and Mudryk will get his wish of joining the title-challengers Arsenal