08 January 2023 , 05:00
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Arsenal's priority January transfer target appears to be Shakhtar Donestsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk but a deal for the winger is proving more complicated than perhaps first thought.
The Gunners currently sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and some may question why manager Mikel Arteta is so desperate to bolster his options, but the importance of squad depth - especially when going up against Manchester City in a title race, cannot be understated.
With that in mind, Mirror Football has analysed the main talking points surrounding the Gunners at the moment ahead of Monday night's FA Cup third round clash away at League One outfit Oxford United.
Arteta's Mudryk message
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta may have sent Mykhaylo Mudryk a subtle transfer message (Getty Images)Arteta has put the ball back in Mudryk's court as Arsenal continue to pursue the Shakhtar Donetsk winger, with the Gunners boss appearing to suggest it is on the player to force through an exit.
It is already emerging as one of the sagas of the window, with Mudryk flirting with Arsenal via social media on a number of occasions in recent weeks and even uploading a snap of Arteta to Instagram and labelling the Spaniard a 'top coach'.
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The Arsenal manager was asked about Arsenal's transfer situation - and notably their pursuit of Mudryk - on Saturday and he made his stance crystal clear.
The Spaniard was pressed for comment on any updates regarding potential incomings, to which he bluntly replied: "No updates."
But it was his follow-up comment that was more notable, with the Arsenal boss insisting: "At the end of the day, players decide where they want to play. If they want to play for our club, that is great."
Take note, Mr Mudryk.
Arsenal submit Felix request
Joao Felix is wanted by Arsenal (David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)While the Gunners view Mudryk as their most importantt potential addition, there is certainly plenty of interest in Atletico Madrid star and Golden Boy winner Joao Felix.
The Portugal international has failed to live up to the expectation of him at the Wanda Metropolitano and is thought to be desperate to leave the La Liga giants as soon as possible.
However, Atletico are only exploring the idea of sanctioning a temporary departure on loan and want a hefty loan fee on top.
This is deterring a number of otherwise keen suitors and while Arsenal are no different in their opposition to the idea of forking out £13million in loan fees and paying the entirety of Felix's £250,000 per-week wages, they are trying to drive that figure down instead of simply taking no for an answer.
According to the Express, Arsenal have asked super-agent Jorge Mendes to try and work on lowering Aletico's asking price in regards to the loan fee.
Gunners want talented teen
Arteta is also prowling the market for another option in central midfield and according to the Daily Mail, Las Palmas youngster Alberto Moleiro is a player that has caught the eye.
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The 19-year-old has has stood out so much that a number of sides across Europe are keeping tabs on his situation and regard Moleiro as too gifted to be plying his trade in the Spanish second division.
The teenager's deal runs until the summer of 2026, meaning Arsenal will have to fork out a hefty sum to land Moleiro anytime soon.