Arsenal are ‘confident’ in securing the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk in time for the Ukrainian to face Manchester United on January 22, according to a report.
Mudryk is Arsenal’s number-one target this month as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options.
The Gunners had expressed an interest last summer but did not make a formal bid to sign him.
The 22-year-old was worth around £30-40million at the time, but following Antony’s £85m move to Manchester United and the player’s exploits in the Champions League this season, his market value has nearly trebled.
Shakhtar Donetsk have been holding out for the same fee United paid for Antony with Arsenal very reluctant to give in to those demands.
Arsenal made a third bid to sign Mudryk on Thursday evening. Fabrizio Romano later revealed the offer was worth €70m (£61.9m) plus add-ons.
The finer details are yet to be agreed with Arsenal and Shakhtar working out what bonuses should be included in the deal.
Mikel Arteta’s side host rivals Manchester United a week on Sunday and there is confidence Mudryk will be ‘in contention’ to play.
It is said that the ‘finer points’ of the transfer are yet to be agreed, with the deal expected to be worth a fee in the region of £80m.
Currently with Shakhtar’s training camp in Turkey, Mudryk is very eager to join the Premier League leaders, making his desire very well known on social media.
Arsenal will have to pay at least £50m up front to sign the player and one of the bonuses are expected to be the club winning the Premier League or qualifying for the Champions League.
Personal terms will not be a problem and the 22-year-old Ukraine international has apparently already agreed to pen a five-year contract.
Mudryk has 18 goal contributions already this term and would be a very welcome signing with Gabriel Jesus currently injured.
Although Mudryk is not a striker, his availability will give Arteta the option to play him wide left and Gabriel Martinelli through the middle.
Eddie Nketiah has filled in very well for the injured Jesus – who is expected to be out until mid-February at the earliest.
Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the league and take on arch-rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
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