Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that Gunners target Mykhaylo Mudryk could be “developed into a more versatile player”, as he looks to bring the Shakhtar Donetsk and Ukraine star to the Emirates Stadium in January, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.
The north London side would like to bring the winger to the club, as per the journalist Paul Brown in a previous interview with GiveMeSport.
Arsenal transfer news – Mykhaylo Mudryk
It has been reported that Arsenal are set to win the race to sign Mudryk in January, with a £40m deal plus add-ons deal set to be accepted by Shakhtar during the winter transfer window, as per the Daily Mirror.
It was initially suggested by the Ukrainian club that the wide man could cost as much as £87m (via the Daily Mirror) for any potential buyers, a price tag that the 21-year-old was “very upset” by, as he told Sport Arena.
However, Jacobs has also told GiveMeSport that Premier League rivals Newcastle United are keeping close tabs on the starlet’s situation and would be prepared to battle the Gunners in the race for his signature.
The journalist has suggested that Arteta believes that Mudryk can be developed into a well more rounded player if he was to arrive at the Emirates, perhaps playing down the middle in certain situations.
What has Jacobs said about Mudryk?
Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “Arteta feels that he can be developed into a more versatile player.
"At the moment he's lightning quick, he's got a good eye for goal, he weighs in with assists, he makes the pitch as big as possible, he starts on the left-hand side and he cuts in.
"I think Mikel Arteta thinks that he can spend more time during games in central areas and, even under select game management situations, switch sides as well.
"As he adds those strings to his bow, he could live up to his reputation as one of the best players in that position.
"So, it's one to watch from Arsenal's point of view.”
Where could Mudryk play for Arsenal?
Despite Arteta believing that the eight-time Ukraine winger could play in multiple positions, it seems likely that Mudryk would initially play out wide for the Spaniard’s side if he were to sign at the Emirates Stadium in the new year.
That is because according to Transfermarkt, the young star has played solely out on the wing this season, where he has scored ten goals and provided eight assists in 18 appearances this campaign.
However, if Arteta was to be able to secure the signing of the coveted Eastern European star, he would fancy his chances of being able to develop the young talent into a more well-rounded player who could be perhaps used in the centre-forward or attacking midfield position if required.
But in the meantime, Arsenal must focus on securing his signature, as the Premier League leaders look to add to their squad for a potential title charge in the second half of the campaign.