Arsenal now handed ‘big boost’ in bid to land £88m star at Emirates

Arsenal have been handed a ‘big boost’ in their pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk as the Shakhtar Donetsk star wants to seal a move to the Emirates Stadium, journalist Paul Brown has told GiveMeSport.

The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League and boss Mikel Arteta is looking to improve his side’s title chances by bolstering his squad during the January transfer window.

Arsenal transfer news – Mykhaylo Mudryk

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are set to test Shakhtar’s resolve by lodging a second bid after their opening proposal for Mudryk was turned down.

The report suggests the Gunners’ initial offer was worth £55million, including add-ons, and they have remained in talks with the Ukrainian side as they look to strike a deal.

But it seems Arsenal will need to put considerably more money on the table as Carlo Nicolini, Shakhtar’s deputy sporting director, has revealed the club value Mudryk at close to £88million.

Having made the 21-year-old their priority target heading into the winter window, the north Londoners have looked to steal a march on Manchester City, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Brentford, Everton and Bayer Leverkusen, who are known to be admirers.

Despite the initial setback, it appears that Arsenal are in pole position to land Mudryk as respected journalist Ben Jacobs recently told GiveMeSport that his ‘number one choice’ is to join Arteta’s side.

What has Paul Brown said about Mudryk?

Brown understands that Shakhtar are unwilling to sell Mudryk unless a much-improved bid is put forward by Arsenal.

However, the journalist feels the winger’s desire to link-up with the Premier League table-toppers could be pivotal in negotiations.

Brown told GiveMeSport: “His club are holding out for a lot more than Arsenal have so far let it be known they are willing to pay.

“Something has to give here – they either have to up their offer considerably or put more money on the table that’s guaranteed and not just there in bonuses.

“I think there’s some negotiating to be done, but the fact that Mudryk likes Arsenal and would like to play for them is a big boost for Arsenal’s chances.”

Source: dailylifeworld.com