Arsenal will 'start creeping up' by lodging an improved bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk after the Emirates Stadium outfit's opening proposal was turned down by Shakhtar Donetsk, transfer expert Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The Gunners are preparing to head into the January window, which will hand boss Mikel Arteta an opportunity to strengthen his squad.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Arsenal transfer news - Mykhaylo Mudryk

According to the Evening Standard, Shakhtar have rejected an Arsenal offer worth £55million, including add-ons, for Mudryk.

The report suggests the north Londoners will return to the negotiating table with a fresh bid after remaining in talks with the Ukrainian side.

Shakhtar are still holding out for £85million and reaching that figure would result in Arsenal shattering their record transfer fee.

Arsenal have made Mudryk their priority target heading into the winter window, which opens for business at the turn of the year, and respected journalist Ben Jacobs recently told GiveMeSport that the winger's 'number one choice' is to join the Gunners.

But Manchester City, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Brentford, Everton and Bayer Leverkusen are also known to be admirers and could look to leapfrog Arteta's side in the race for Mudryk's signature.

What has Dean Jones said about Mudryk?

Jones understands that Arsenal were always likely to open the bidding with a cheeky proposal which fell considerably short of Shakhtar's £88million valuation for Mudryk.

However, the journalist is aware that the Gunners will now look to test the Ukraine international's current employers' resolve with an improved offer.

Jones told GiveMeSport: "I think the Mudryk situation is starting to play out now. I was always told to expect a bid that was around half of what Shakhtar wanted and that is €100million.

"That's basically where we've got to right now. The plan, with Mudryk, is to start creeping up from here."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Would Mudryk improve Arsenal?

Arteta needs to draft in a new attacking option after Gabriel Jesus underwent knee surgery, keeping him on the sidelines for a prolonged period, and Mudryk could be the perfect option.

Shakhtar's talisman has already found the back of the net 10 times and registered a further eight assists in 18 appearances this season, according to Transfermarkt.

Those figures emphasise that he is a serious danger in the final third of the pitch and would aid Arsenal's Premier League title push.

Mudryk, who has been described as an ‘amazing talent’ by Shakhtar director of football Darijo Srna, also made a huge impact in the Champions League group stage.

The 21-year-old got his name on the scoresheet every 173 minutes, which highlights that he is capable of shining against Europe's elite clubs even though he has not gained any experience in domestic football outside of his homeland.

With that being the case, heading back to Shakhtar with a more lucrative bid for Mudryk is a no-brainer for Arsenal.

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