Arsenal are prioritising the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk this upcoming January. The Gunners have been linked with the Ukraine star for some time, but they've never acted on that interest.
It appears as though the youngster is very open to a move to Arsenal, who need more depth in wide areas. Speaking to CBS Sports back in September, he said: "I think every guy dreams about the Premier League. It's hard to say [who his preferred move is], but Arsenal is a very good team, a very good coach. I like the way they play."
When asked if he would make a move to the Emirates Stadium, he said: "From my side, I can't say no [to Arsenal]. But the transfer is not only my decision."
READ MORE: Arsenal facing January transfer ultimatum as £100m price tag threatens to scupper double deal
Now, The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that the Gunners are prioritising Mudryk but it will ultimately come down to price. Writing in his weekly column on Monday, he said: "Their priority target is Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk and sources with knowledge of the matter think there is a good chance it will happen, though nothing is agreed at present.
"Shakhtar have stated their value for the highly-coveted Ukraine international as €100million (£85.9m, $105.3m) – but interested parties are of the understanding that a lower fee would be deemed acceptable.
"Arsenal are among the clubs in touch with both Shakhtar and Mudryk’s representatives, with the 21-year-old known to be focused on moving to the Premier League and determined to make the Emirates Stadium his destination.
"Brentford had a deal worth €25million in place last summer, when he was also on Arsenal’s radar, and his stock has since risen. It will ultimately come down to the price and while the north London club may have alternative possibilities, Mudryk is their focus."
That being said, Shakhtar Donetsk's Director of Football Dario Srna has recently warned the Gunners - as well as other potential suitors - about the price of the Ukraine international, as he suggested that it isn't the club who are determining the price of Mudryk, but instead the current football transfer market.
"The market is deciding the price, not me. Antony, (Jack) Grealish," he said. "They are players of more than €100m and for me, Mudryk does not have less quality than them. This is the last two transfers in the past year, in more or less the same positions."
Whether the Gunners can afford to buy Mudryk in the current market remains to be seen, but if they're serious about a title charge in the near future, they may have to pay above the odds.
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