Mikel Arteta admission fuels rumours of winger swoop with talks for Arsenal priority ‘progressing’ nicely

Mikel Arteta admits that Arsenal are looking to bring in new players in January as links to Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk continue to grow.

The Gunners have enjoyed a stellar first part of the season, exceeding expectations to top the Premier League table at Christmas. Finishing fifth and losing out on a Champions League to Tottenham last term clearly acted as spur at the Emirates. The north Londoners have won 12 and drawn one of their 14 games so far in 2022-2023.

They won three straight before the World Cup break and will face West Ham United on Monday when their league schedule resumes.

It has been an open secret that Arsenal would look to add quality to the ranks in the winter window.

And their stunning form added to the speculation that the Spanish tactician would be handed the funds to buy new stars.

And he has now made it clear that is the case.

“We are going to be active and active means we are looking to strengthen the team,” he told reporters.

“This squad still doesn’t have the luxury of not maximising every single window.”

However, the former Arsenal midfielder made it clear that, while he needs to recruit, he will not spend money just for the sake of it.

“We have to do that because it’s really important,” he added. “But then we have to get the right profile, it has to be the right player to take us to the next level.”

Arteta tipped to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk

Mudryk’s name has been mentioned in connection with the Gunners for some time. The 21-year-old has been turning heads with his displays for the Ukrainian outfit.

And Shakhtar’s vice sporting director, Carlo Nicolini, confirmed earlier his week that Arsenal’s interest was genuine. However, other clubs are also on the case.

Arteta managed to lure Gabriel Jesus to the club in the summer transfer window. The Brazil international has been superb in his new surroundings.

However, he is now out of the picture after picking up a nasty knee injury at the World Cup. The South American has undergone surgery but there is no timeframe for his return.

That may well prompt Arteta to move for Mudryk this winter. However, his huge price tag could be a stumbling block.

Reports vary as to the figure Shakhtar want but it will be in the region of €100m.

Arsenal may have funds to spend but that is a hefty outlay for a player with only 45 top-flight games under his belt.

But CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has tweeted that Arsenal talks over Mudryk are ‘progressing’.

And he added that a January deal is ‘very possible’ as Arsenal are ‘prioritising getting it done’.

It seems as though the youngster is desperate to join the league leaders. But Jacobs doubts whether the Gunners will play ball on the numbers mentioned.

“If it is up to Mudryk then yes,” he added. “All about whether #AFC can agree a fee. They won’t be paying anywhere close to €100m if they do.”

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