Arsenal explored a move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhalo Mudryk in the week before transfer deadline day, according to Fabrizio Romano.
What is the latest news involving Mudryk?
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Reports over the past month have suggested that the Ukraine international has been a target for Mikel Arteta's side as they look to bolster their options in the wide areas.
On the eve of deadline day, The Athletic reported that fellow Premier League side Brentford were in the mix to sign him, and that a deal would prove difficult to do.
What did Romano say about Arsenal's interest in Mudryk?
Romano has indicated that Arsenal did indeed explore a move for the Ukrainian flier, and that contact had even been made with the player's representatives.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "I think this is the problem there is going to be, he is super expensive. Arsenal explored this possibility, and they had contact with his agent last week.
"Let's see if they will decide to try for him. But it's not easy, it's absolutely not easy to negotiate with Shakhtar."
Mudryk would have been perfect for Arteta at Arsenal
Given that Brentford were looking to negotiate a fee of around €30m (£26m) for Mudryk, Arsenal must surely have been keeping a close eye on the situation ahead of deadline day.
What perhaps would have excited Gunners fans the most, is the kind of rave reviews the winger has already been getting during his fledgling career.
Indeed, Shakhtar sporting director, Darijo Srna, said at the beginning of last month: "For me, Mudryk is the best player in Europe in this position after Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
"As I said, after Mbappe and Junior, I don’t see a third player other than Mudryk in this position in Europe. First, he is a decent guy. Second, professional. Thirdly, he loves Shakhtar. Yes, he said he wanted to leave, but now he is in his place and remains in the team. Mudryk has crazy potential.
“The market makes the price. If today’s Mudryk played at Ajax, then €100m (£86m) would be asked for him."
High praise for someone who is still relatively unproven at the highest level, although he did produce an eye-catching display against Real Madrid in the Champions League last season at the Bernabeu, completing 100% of his dribbles, providing three key passes and earning his side two free-kicks.
Given the dearth of genuine wide options at the Emirates, Mudryk would certainly have been a good fit for Arteta's side and offered them much-needed depth.