14 January 2023 , 09:39
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Mykhaylo Mudryk could be ready to make his Arsenal debut against Manchester United, with the Gunners closing in on a deal for the Ukraine international.
Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mudryk has been eyed up by Mikel Arteta's team throughout January as they seek out attacking reinforcements. The London club have seen two bids knocked back, but are close to meeting Shakhtar's demands for their star man.
Sunday's North London Derby will come too soon, with the deadline to register new signings ahead of this weekend's fixtures having already passed. A clash with Manchester United is just days away, though, and fresh reports suggest the 22-year-old could attempt to follow United star Antony by making his debut in the fixture.
Back in September, Man Utd's £81m signing Antony scored on his first appearance for the club as they beat Arsenal at Old Trafford. That remains the Gunners' only league defeat all season, with Arteta's team sitting top of the league ahead of their trip to Spurs.
Arsenal have seen two bids for Mudryk knocked back already, with Shakhtar pointing to Antony's fee when setting their asking price. According to The Times, the London club will likely have to part ways with up to £80m, including an initial fee of more than £50m and add-ons relating to league titles and Champions League qualification.
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The Ukrainian side, who won their domestic title last term, are reportedly coming to terms with the fact that a deal will be concluded sooner rather than later. Shakhtar sat top of the Ukrainian Premier League when the 2021-22 season was cut short, and currently sit second behind Dnipro-1.
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Mykhaylo Mudryk is drawing closer to his Arsenal move (AFP via Getty Images)
Arteta was asked about Arsenal's interest in Mudryk ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham. The league leaders spent more than £100m over the summer on the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, but are yet to make their first January addition.
"We can't talk about players, there is interest in things we would like to do," the Spaniard told the media. We are a bit short, we are trying."
Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined after picking up an injury on Brazil duty during the World Cup. Mudryk is one of a number of attacking targets to arise, with the Gunners also linked with Joao Felix before the Portugal star joined Chelsea, but Arteta previously made it clear his team would not be making additions or the sake of it.
"We can get a striker I can guarantee you that. But what we can not afford to do is get a player here that is not for us," he said.
"This is what we can not afford, that is for sure. We don't need a body, we need players that make the team better. I think personalities that have the mentality that we want to win."