Arsenal are ‘confident and optimistic’ of signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk this January, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano told GiveMeSport on Wednesday afternoon.
The Gunners’ pursuit of the talented 22-year-old has been one of football’s most open secrets in recent months, and the proposed deal appears to be edging towards a conclusion.
Arsenal transfer news – Mudryk
Romano recently stated that Mudryk has always been considered the ‘priority target’ for Arsenal and that the player’s wish is to join the capital club this winter.
He did also disclose, though, that the deal is not yet in its final stages and that the proposed fee is still ‘under discussion’, which is proving to be the major sticking point at this moment in time.
Football.London have claimed that Arsenal are yet to receive an official response from Shakhtar after making a second offer worth £62 million for Mudryk.
The capital club’s opening bid of £55m was said to be swiftly rejected by the Ukrainian outfit, who have publicly declared they value their academy graduate at around £85m.
What has Romano said about Mudryk?
Arsenal have already lost out on the loan signing of Joao Felix after the Atletico Madrid forward move to London rivals Chelsea on a temporary deal.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Yet Romano has told GMS that Mikel Arteta’s charges remain hopeful that they can still add Mudryk to their squad this winter.
He said: “We can confirm that Arsenal are confident and optimistic. They feel they can sign the player before the end of the window, but at the moment, it is not close to being completed yet.”
Would Mudryk be a good signing?
Mudryk shone in 2021/22, registering two goals and nine assists in 19 appearances across all competitions for Shakhtar before their season was cut short following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Nevertheless, the speedster has elevated his game to new heights this time around, finding the back of the net on 10 occasions in 18 outings while also setting up eight further strikes for his teammates.
It’s Mudryk’s performances in the Champions League this season that have really cemented his status amongst football’s most promising stars, though.
A return of five goal contributions from six Group F encounters in Europe’s elite cup competition highlighted exactly why Arsenal are so keen to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.