Arsenal have made a second bid to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to Ukrainian journalist Yehor Danylov.
Mudryk is believed to be the Gunners’ number one target in the winter transfer window.
He shone for Shakhtar in this season’s Champions League but does not have a wealth of experience.
His showings in the Ukrainian top flight and Europe’s premier competition has been enough to see Arsenal express an interest.
Arsenal reportedly made an opening bid of €40m plus €20m add-ons, but it was turned down by Donetsk.
The Ukrainian champions want close to €100m for their prized asset, pointing the Gunners to the fee Manchester United paid to sign Antony from Ajax last summer.
It is highly unlikely Mikel Arteta’s bosses will fork out that amount of money, however, they have upped their initial offer, confirms Danylov, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
Danylov says Shakhtar are now ‘considering whether to accept or continue negotiations’, indicating that it is a tempting offer.
It is noted that even if Mudryk is included in Shakhtar’s training camp – which begins on January 10 – he will be able to leave for the Premier League leaders.
Reliable journalist Romano gave Danylov a shoutout and confirmed that a second, ‘improved’, offer has been lodged.
‘It is up to Shakhtar’ with Chelsea also ‘interested’ and could make a move if the deal collapses.
The Guardian reported last week that the Blues are keen on hijacking the deal, but it does appear that they know the player is very keen on a move to the Emirates.
It is said that the player has made Arsenal his ‘priority’ and a deal is edging closer to being completed.
Writing in his CaughtOffside column, Romano said Arsenal will need to act quickly if they want to secure the signing of Mudryk.
“Arsenal have to be fast, this is really important; talks are still ongoing with Shakhtar to reach an agreement in the next days,” he wrote.
“On personal terms, there’d be no problem as he’d love the move to Arsenal.
“For sure Mykhaylo Mudryk dreams of Premier League football, and he’d love a move to Arsenal; there’s no doubt on that.”
Mudryk has been flirting with a move to Arsenal for quite a while now.
Speaking in September, the 21-year-old admitted he would struggle to say no to the London club if they came calling.
He clearly wants the move and has recently been posting pictures of him watching Arsenal on his Instagram stories.
Mudryk tuned in…
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