£86m star ‘might shoot to top of Arteta’s shortlist’ at Emirates – GiveMeSport

Arsenal have pinpointed numerous wide targets and Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk ‘might shoot to the top of the list’ at the Emirates Stadium if his price tag is reduced, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Gunners went into the break from domestic action sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League, but boss Mikel Arteta will be handed the opportunity to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

Arsenal transfer news – Mykhaylo Mudryk

According to The Athletic, Shakhtar have slapped a price tag worth close to £86million on Arsenal target Mudryk ahead of the transfer window reopening for business at the turn of the year. 

But the report suggests the Gunners are facing plenty of competition, with Manchester City, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Brentford, Everton and Bayer Leverkusen also among the winger’s suitors. 

Arsenal’s pursuit of Mudryk could intensify after Gabriel Jesus’ knee injury, which has ruled him out of the remainder of the World Cup.

The Gunners appear to have stolen a march on their competitors for the Ukrainian’s signature as respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal held ‘very positive contacts’ with his representatives during the summer.

During an interview with CBS Sports, Mudryk has previously admitted he ‘can’t say no’ to a winter move to the Emirates Stadium, while journalist Ben Jacobs has told GIVEMESPORT that Arsenal are confident he wants to complete the switch.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Paul Brown said about Mudryk?

Brown understands that Mudryk is among a host of wingers who have worked their way onto Arteta’s radar ahead of the winter window.

However, he feels the Shakhtar man could become Arsenal’s top target if he can be bought for significantly less than £86million.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “I think he’s on a list of several wide options. I wouldn’t like to say he’s their number one target because I think it will depend on the price.

“If an agent suddenly told them that the asking price was much less than €100million, he might shoot to the top of the list.

“But I think, at the moment, at that price he is not their top target.”

Could Mudryk’s price tag be lowered?

The Mirror have suggested that Arsenal have the framework of a deal in place after Shakhtar lowered their original demands and are willing to accept an offer worth £40million plus potential add-ons. 

It comes after Ukrainian media outlet Sport Arena reported that Mudryk was left ‘shocked’ by his current employers’ £86million valuation. 

But Shakhtar are not under serious pressure to offload their 21-year-old talisman as his contract is valid until the end of 2026.

As a result, Arteta and technical director Edu will have their work cut out when it comes to attempting to persuade Shakhtar to accept a lower fee. 

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