Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk is understood to have held ‘positive talks’ over a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal ahead of a possible January switch.
Mudryk, 21, was heavily linked with joining Arsenal in the summer, but Mikel Arteta targeted a central midfielder instead.
However, it is believed that Mudryk remains on Arsenal‘s radar following an impressive start to the season where he has netted seven goals and as many assists in 14 games in all competitions.
With rumours of him signing for the north London outfit failing to go away, Shakhtar’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin says the squad are joking that Mudryk is ‘already at Arsenal’.
Shakhtar sporting director Carlo Nicolini has confirmed the Gunners’ interest, but declared it would take £85million to prise him away.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has insisted that it will likely cost up to £65m to land Mudryk, with Arsenal to potentially turn their interest into a formal bid.
Also Read: Lookman Wins Atalanta Player Of The Month Award
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “We know they [Arsenal] wanted a winger. Raphinha was the dream, but it was not possible to proceed.
“They have had very positive contacts on Mudryk’s side, on the player’s side.
“But then they decided not to proceed with Shakhtar because they wanted more than £40m-£45m.
“Now Shakhtar want £60m-£65m. It’s not going to be an easy one, but Arsenal are still following the player. They consider Mudryk a top talent and so Arsenal are still there.
“But let’s see because now the race is open with many top clubs involved, but Arsenal will be busy in the next few weeks.”
Meanwhile, Evening Standard claims Arsenal are weighing up whether to ship out teenager Marquinhos to give him regular first-team football.
A summer arrival from Sao Paulo, the 19-year-old has featured in four games – scoring once and providing a solitary assist.
