Arsenal transfer news: Massive £48m signing talks underway as Fabrizio Romano hails Gunners as perfect club for star

Arsenal are likely to ramp up their efforts to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk in January after Fabrizio Romano provided a timely update on the Gunners’ interest in the £48m-rated attacker.

Mikel Arteta’s side have closed for the World Cup break with a healthy five-point lead atop of the Premier League. Their 2-0 win at Wolves, combined with Manchester City’s surprise 2-1 home defeat to Brentford, means the Gunners are the side to catch once the season resumes.

Indeed, talk is growing that Arsenal could even go all the way and win the Premier League title. Rio Ferdinand certainly thinks they are the real deal this season.

In order to maintain their push, though, there is a belief that Arsenal’s squad will need further reinforcements come January. To that end, we have revealed that Arteta is likely to make at least two signings to further their title prospects.

The two positions that Arteta wants to strengthen are well documented too. He wants a new midfielder to provide cover and competition for Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey. Arsenal have both Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga in reserve but Arteta is seeking another addition to keep the regulars on their toes.

The Gunners boss is also in the market for a new winger. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have both been outstanding this season, taking their games to another level.

But Arteta feels it’s a position that Arsenal need strengthening. As such, their interest in a move for Mudryk is well documented.

Indeed, so widely reported is Arsenal’s interest in the star that the winger’s Shakhtar teammates are already teasing the player over the potential move.

However, any deal will not come cheap. Shakhtar’s deputy sporting director, citing the fee Manchester United paid for Antony, believes any deal for Mudryk should match.

Arsenal talks for Mudryk deal

Indeed, Arsenal tried to sign Mudryk over the summer after making a £25m approach for his services. While that seemed a fair fee at the time, Shakhtar rejected it – and justifiably so.

Since then, Mudryk has seen his value rise on the back of some excellent Champions League displays. Indeed, three goals and two assists in six games have only underlined the 21-year-old’s qualities.

Despite their summer rejection, trusted transfer journalist Romano claims Arsenal have kept dialogue open with the Ukrainians over a potential deal.

And confirming that his price will be £48m (€55m), Romano sees Arsenal as the perfect club for the talented winger.

“For sure Arsenal remain interested and in contact to discuss the Mudryk deal,” Romano told Caught Offside.

“They like him, but the race is open and Shakhtar want way more than rumoured €50-55m.

“I think Arsenal is the perfect place for him: Premier League, ambitious project, young players and excellent manager/board.”

Despite their strong interest, Arsenal are yet to lodge another official bid with Shaktar. However, with the January window opening in 49 days, he believes that could soon change.

“Still, there’s still no official bid on Shakhtar table, so let’s see what happens in the next weeks.”

While a costly option, any deal for Mudryk could give Arsenal the additional firepower from the wings to carry them over the title line.

Perhaps the only doubt so far in their credentials is a lack of goals output from Gabriel Jesus. And while Mudryk would not be a direct replacement, his ability to unlock defences could provide the Brazilian with more opportunities.

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