Mykhaylo Mudryk: Edu trip seals deal with star in line for Arsenal debut v Man Utd; Newcastle target next to sign

Arsenal are growing in confidence that a deal to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk in a club-record deal is now all-but done – and the star will reportedly make his debut in next weekend’s high-stakes clash against Manchester United.

The Gunners go into this weekend’s round of games with a five-point buffer at the top of the Premier League table. Having not win the Premier League title since 2004, this represents a huge chance to end their 19-year drought. But with Manchester City breathing down their necks, they can afford precious few mistakes.

Indeed, the next two weekends look huge in the context of the season. Arsenal face matches away to Tottenham on Sunday and then Manchester United at home the week after. And with Pep Guardiola’s side winning four of the last five titles, Mikel Arteta’s side know the pressure is on.

In order to furher their chances, Arsenal are ready to spend big this month. Arteta is wanting at least two signings to strengthen his pool, with a new attacker top of that list.

And the Gunners’ interest in Ukrainian star Mudryk are well documented.

Indeed, Arsenal have already seen two bids rejected this month for the Shakhtar forward.

But it seems they are now on the brink of landing the 22-year-old with reports on Friday claiming a deal has been agreed.

New light has since been shed on that potential deal – and it seems Mudryk will cost Arsenal a club-record deal once add-ons are factored in.

Per The Times, Arsenal will pay £50m up front for Mudryk. That fee will rise, though to a staggering £80m with bonuses – and the report claims an announcement is now imminent.

Edu trip helps secured Mykhaylo Mudryk signing

Reports claim Mudryk will likely be confirmed as an Arsenal player in the next few days. He will reportedly sign a deal at the club to summer 2028 and worth around £90,000 a week.

And with the player likely to be confirmed as a Gunners star, he will be added to their squad for next Sunday’s match against Manchester United.

The news will come as a huge boost to Arteta, who has been on Mudryk’s trail since last summer.

The trail at one point threatened to go cold with Chelsea bursting on to the scene for his signature.

However, Mudryk has always made clear his wish to sign for Arsenal – and it seems all parties will soon get their wish.

The deal for Mudryk was reportedly sealed by technical director Edu, who was in Poland on Friday to conclude negotiations.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Edu has been in Warsaw for talks with Shakhtar officials. They are currently stationed in Warsaw, where it is understood that an agreement has now been reached.

Mudryk has 18 goal contributions in 18 matches this season. And Arsenal will hope he can continue his rich vein of form once his move to Emirates Stadium is finalised.

Arsenal want Ivan Fresneda next

Arsenal are unlikely to rest on their laurels after signing Mudryk – and their second arrival of the January window could soon follow.

Indeed, per reports in Spain, the Gunners are making headway in their pursuit of Ivan Fresneda.

The Real Vallodolid right-back – just a mere 18 – has been earning rave reviews this season. Indeed, his manager fully understands why demand to sign the teenager is so high, admitting he expects him to secure a move this month.

The likes of Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are among those reportedly tracking his progress.

However, the strongest interest has seemingly come from Newcastle. Eddie Howe is seeking a long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier. And Fresneda is seen as the perfect back-up and understudy to the England man over the next couple of seasons.

But now reports in Spain claim Arsenal are readying a move. And while Fabrizio Romano is adamant nothing has been decided on the teenager’s future, reports in Spain claim he has already opted on joining the Gunners.

As a result, Edu will reportedly put his focus into the capture of Fresneda once the signing of Mudryk has been wrapped up.

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