Arsenal look set to do some major business early in the January transfer window as they look to bolster their title challenge.
The Gunners have been in sensational form so far this season, but a glance at the bench against Brighton tells you how the lack of attacking depth could derail their season.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have had sensational seasons, but as the games stack up, they will need alternative options. Mikel Arteta recognises that and the injury to Gabriel Jesus has only accelerated the urgency as to which Arsenal must find more depth in those areas.
Arsenal were looking at a move for Ukranian winger Mykalo Mudryk in the summer and this interest has only grown since.
Mudryk turns 22 this week and his performances in the Champions League this season have seen other clubs also take an interest.
Arsenal are keen to get this deal done quickly as they know how vital his contributions even from the bench could be in helping secure points this month.
That is why they tabled a bid already in December, thought to be worth around £35million upfront with a further £17million in add-ons. This was rejected by Shakhtar, but Arsenal have now made an improved bid according to several sources including The Guardian.
Shakhtar have very publicly placed a £85million (100million euros) price-tag on the player, but a club source has told Fresh Arsenal that the Gunners will not be going near that valuation and they are confident of signing him for a lower fee, given the players desire to make the move.
Whilst it is not clear how improved Arsenal’s latest offer is, it is thought that the main differential is how much the club are willing to pay upfront. Shakhtar are likely to take notice if something closer to £50million was offered upfront. Given the first offer worth up to £52million was rejected, we know the potential total value of this offer will be at least that. Fabrizio Romano has suggested this new offer is worth over £45million up front.
Arsenal's first bid for Mudryk was £35m + up to £17m in add ons. Whilst total value is likely to have risen in this second bid, I expect the main improvement in the offer is the amount Arsenal are offering upfront. pic.twitter.com/LtQIMwBGCH
— PB (@OliPriceBates) January 2, 2023
With Mudryk very publicly pushing for a move to Arsenal, his club will be considering whether this latest offer is enough to see them part with a player they rate extremely highly.