Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their approach for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk as the Ukrainian outfit appear to have found a replacement. Should they manage to land another wide player, it could allow the Gunners to make advances in a move in January for the 19-year-old.
It comes after months of speculation surrounding a switch to the Emirates Stadium, which has included its fair share of hints surrounding it. Mudryk has been heavily involved in that too, making it quite clear where his loyalties lie should he be free to leave his club.
Just last month, he said: "I follow Arsenal closely, they’re a very dynamic side. One surprise for me was how many Arsenal fans followed me. No other club’s fans have interacted as much as them, they always tell me – come to us!"
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Shakhtar Donetsk vice director Carlo Nicolini also directly discussed a move to Arsenal for Mudryk, telling Calciomercato: "Mudryk has received the message, like other players, to show up for Antalya training camp on January 9th. There is interest from Arsenal for him, but we’ve not received official bids."
It remains to be seen exactly how much Shakhtar could hold out for, with reports claiming anywhere from £35million to £100million set as a valuation. However, the Gunners may have been handed a boost in their attempts to prise the winger away amid a search for a replacement.
That's because Brazilian outlet UOL claim that the Ukrainian side are eyeing a move for Botafogo winger Jeffinho as an option in the coming weeks. The 22-year-old could be a potential replacement to Mudryk, opening up the possibility of a January window move to Arsenal.
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