Arsenal have received some ‘promising’ encouragement from Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 21-year-old has been linked with a move away from his boyhood club in recent months and could join Mikel Arteta’s revolution at the Emirates Stadium when the transfer window reopens for business.

What is the latest news involving Mudryk?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano previously revealed to GiveMeSport that Arsenal ‘explored’ the possibility of signing Mudryk in the summer after making contact with his agent.

And the Ukraine international then stated in a remarkably honest interview with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs that he would be open to the possibility of joining the Gunners.

Mudryk was asked if he harbours aspirations of playing in the Premier League at some stage of his career, to which he replied: "Yes. I think every guy dreams about the Premier League.

“Yes, yes,” he added when Arsenal were then cited as an example of a potential side the creative talent would like to join. “It’s hard to say but Arsenal is a very good team. Very good coach, I like the way they play."

Ukrainian news outlet football24tv (via Football.London) have reported that Shakhtar are set to demand £30 million for their prized asset, a fee which could well be within Arsenal’s reach.

What has Jones said about Mudryk?

Jones has informed GiveMeSport that he believes Mudryk’s comments illustrate how Arsenal have ‘managed to propel themselves in terms of status’ over the last 12 months or so.

He said: “It’s definitely promising, not just even in terms of this signing, but I think in general terms. If you go back a year, Arsenal just weren't sure what type of player they could attract anymore.

“Now, as soon as they've got back in that conversation of being in Europe, as soon as they've had a good start to the season in the Premier League, everyone's suddenly open about the idea of joining them again. And this is where they've managed to propel themselves in terms of status.”

How good is Mudryk?

Mudryk registered two goals and seven assists in 11 Premier Liga games last season before Skahktar’s campaign was halted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

And the versatile attacker has started this term in impressive fashion as well, racking up four goal contributions in his opening four appearances across all competitions.

With Nicolas Pepe making the move to Nice on a temporary basis, Mudryk could be the ideal replacement, and Arsenal may well revisit this deal in January.