Arsenal could be forced to make a swift move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk after fellow Premier League side Brentford stepped up their interest in the 21-year-old.
The Athletic reports that the Bees are prepared to smash their transfer record to sign the player, although it's added that negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk are expected to be 'difficult'.
Mikel Arteta is believed to be keen on adding a new winger to his squad before the transfer deadline arrives at 11pm UK time tomorrow, admitting that preparations for Nicolas Pepe's departure could see a replacement come in. "If we can implement the plan that we have, we will try to do (it)," Arteta said. "In that plan, that (Pepe leaving) was something that could happen. Now it is a reality and we have been preparing the last two months in order to achieve what we want. Whether that is possible or not, we will see."
READ MORE: Arsenal to avoid naming Mykhaylo Mudryk in Premier League squad if £29.9m transfer is completed
The unsuccessful pursuit of Raphinha earlier in the window has been the strongest indication yet that Arsenal will make their move should the right player become available. Wolves' Pedro Neto was said to have been Arteta and Edu's priority last week but any deal now seems unlikely due to the financial demands involved, according to The Athletic.
This has seen Mudryk emerge as a more feasible option as the clock ticks down, with Shakhtar Donetsk reportedly open to offers over €30m (£25m). However, the highly-rated youngster is viewed as a crucial member of the squad and with the window close to its conclusion, his asking price will only rise as will the reluctance to let him leave.
Various reports suggest Arsenal have been following Mudryk for a while without making an official approach to his club, but with Brentford also circling and concerns over Bukayo Saka's playing time growing, the Gunners are under pressure to spring into action before it's too late.
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