Mikel Arteta will be happy that Mykhaylo Mudryk watches Arsenal games ahead of a potential switch, according to Pete O’Rourke.
Mudryk is Arsenal’s top priority signing in the January window, with the club making no secret of their admiration for the Shakhtar Donetsk star.
It was reported in the last few days that the Gunners had launched their opening bid for Mudryk believed to be in the region of £55m. However, it was swiftly rebuffed with the Ukrainian side instead holding out for an offer closer to £85m.
An improved second bid is now thought to have been lodged by Arteta’s side.
Amid the speculation, the Gunners haven’t been short of hints from the 21-year-old, who recently posted pictures on social media of him watching Arsenal’s Premier League victories over West Ham United on Boxing Day and Brighton on New Year’s Eve.
It’s a clear ploy from the youngster and a come-and-get-me plea that O’Rourke believes will please Arteta.
He told This Is Futbol: “I think he will be definitely happy to see that potential transfer targets are talking about Arsenal, they’re watching Arsenal.
“Will obviously give them a boost in their pursuit of signing the player that is really going to probably push forward, especially if Shakhtar keep trying to price them out of a move that the player might try and force the issue and get Shakhtar to allow him to leave.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
Mudryk’s post is the perfect thing that Arsenal and Arteta will want to see, as although all parties appear keen to make it happen, reaching an agreement on the fee won’t be easy.
But the 21-year-old’s ambition to make it happen could be enough for Arsenal to eventually push for an agreement with Shakhtar.
Mudryk is one of Europe’s most exciting up-and-coming talents, with him netting 10 goals and six assists in just 18 games for the Ukrainian champions this season.
The interest from north London was already there before Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee injury that’s expected to keep him out until the end of February (as per football.london), but it’s become even more imperative a deal for the Gunners to do.
Shakhtar are notoriously tough negotiators having previously made Manchester United cough up £61.5m for Fred, and they will know the calibre of talent they have on their hands and how much Arsenal want him, which could see this saga drag on throughout the month.