Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Zinchenko tells Arsenal to sign sensational attacker as Gunners tipped to add firepower in January

Mykhaylo Mudryk, Shakhtar Donetsk, November 2022

Oleksandr Zinchenko has sent ‘glowing reference’ of his international teammate Mykhaylo Mudryk to Arsenal, and the Gunners could sign him in January.

Arsenal have been trending in the right direction over the past couple of seasons. Indeed, after a couple of eighth-placed finishes, Mikel Arteta got his side in good shape last season.

While they only finished fifth, there was a clear upturn in form. That was evident in the fact that they were challenging for a top-four spot for much of the season.

This season, they have been better still. Indeed, the Gunners’ phenomenal form has seen them win 11 out of their 13 league games, as they sit on top of the Premier League.

Arteta’s influence has been clear to see, in the culture, the style of play, and the additions he has made.

A lot of players he brought to the club are now playing starring roles in the Arsenal side. Martin Odegaard now captains the side after just a few seasons, and is one of the team’s best players.

Gabriel Jesus seems to have made the right decision to leave Manchester City when he did, as his influence is clear in his new side.

More new players are expected to join in the next few seasons, as Arsenal hope to solidify their status as a powerhouse in English football again.

Zinchenko recommends Mudryk

One man that could soon find himself on his way to the Emirates is Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mudryk.

The forward has been in sensational form of late. He has been directly involved in nine goals in eight Ukrainian Premier Liga games in 2022/23.

What’s more, he has shown his class in European football. Mudryk scored three times and provided two assists in the group stages of this season’s Champions League.

Three of those goal contributions came in one game, in a 4-1 against RB Leipzig.

Arsenal are one of the teams that have registered an interest. They have a good reason to sign him, too, other than the fact that he is in a great run of form.

That is a reference from Gunners left-back Zinchenko. According to a report from 90min, the Ukrainian has given a ‘glowing reference’ of his compatriot to the club.

While they likely did not need any more encouragement, Arsenal could be even more keen on the transfer now.

Gunners ready to back Arteta

That same report states that Arsenal are ready to invest ‘where necessary’ in January. Obviously, they will want to remain top of the league for as long as possible.

An ‘additional forward or winger’ is reportedly one of the main aims.

That could be where Mudryk comes in. It would be no surprise if the Gunners were to target the Ukrainian in the January window.

The report also states the midfield is seen as a potential area of weakness. As such, Arteta’s side could go after a new player to strengthen that position, too.

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