Arsenal told to raise their offer for Ukraine winger
Arsenal have made an improved offer for Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk, their top transfer target this month, as negotiations intensify with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Arsenal have already had one bid, worth up to around £55 million, rejected by the Ukrainian club as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his forward options.
Telegraph Sport understands that, as part of conversations between the two sides, Arsenal have signalled their willingness to raise that bid.
It is understood that Arsenal are the only team in direct contact with Shakhtar over the future of Mudryk.
The 21-year-old is keen to move to north London and has dropped a series of hints on social media in recent days.
He has posted images during both of Arsenal’s past two matches, showing that he is watching the team live.
Arsenal remain hopeful of reaching an agreement with Shakhtar, who have publicly valued Mudryk at around £88 million.
Mudryk is seen as one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards and was described last week as a potential Ballon d’Or winner by Roberto De Zerbi, his former manager.
De Zerbi, who is now at Brighton, said: “Mudryk is a fantastic player, but Brighton can’t buy him. I like him, because I like all my ex-players. But I am the Brighton coach and Brighton can’t buy him. Arsenal, I don’t know.
“I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future.”
Arteta made it clear before the opening of the window that he wanted the club’s transfer business to be completed as soon as possible.
Speaking last month, Arteta said: “We knew the importance of getting players early in the summer and that is the same as we want to do in January.
“This is idealistic. Sometimes it is not realistic.
“But obviously, if you ask my opinion, as quick as possible we want the players in to get settled.”