Arsenal have identified a cheaper alternative to Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners are in need of a new attacker after Gabriel Jesus is set to be out with a knee injury until February.
football.london understands Arsenal hold a long-term interest in Mudryk and the Ukrainian winger has hardly hidden the fact he would relish a move to the Emirates Stadium. The 21-year-old has openly admitted to being a fan of the Gunners and has been blown away by supporters on social media urging him to complete a move to Arsenal.
Shakhtar are said to be holding out for a fee in the region of £87million for their star attacker which could deter Edu from making a move for him. Mudryk believes he is valued closer to £40million after posting a cryptic message on Instagram, a fee that would suit the Gunners more as they put together a list of targets.
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Atletico Madrid star Matheus Cunha has emerged as a potential alternative to Mudryk after the Brazilian was linked with a move to Premier League rivals, Wolves. The Brazilian forward is yet to score for the Spanish outfit with Atleti now looking to cash in on the striker after just 18 months.
Cunha's contract, which includes a £100million release clause, is set to expire in 2026 but Diego Simeone's side are willing to accept a significantly lower fee in the region of £30million. Atleti signed the Brazilian from Hertha Berlin last year in a £26million deal and are looking to make a small profit on their investment in order to move Cunha on.
According to GOAL, Arsenal are one of four Premier League clubs interested in signing the Atletico star. Wolves are currently favourites to land the Brazilian in January, whilst Leeds have opened talks with his representatives.
Aston Villa also admire the striker as Unai Emery makes plans to strengthen his squad. The Gunners would be a significantly more attractive proposition for Cunha who is keen on playing European football, with Arsenal being able to offer a better salary package compared to their rivals.
An out-of-form Brazilian striker is not necessarily what Arteta will want to replace Jesus, who has struggled in front of goal himself in recent months, but a fresh start may be what Cunha needs. Atletico are expecting a flurry of offers as they look to raise funds to reinvest in the squad, with Joao Felix also put up for sale after the World Cup.
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