Your morning Arsenal digest on Tuesday, January 3.
Arsenal submit improved Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer offer
Arsenal have submitted an improved offer for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk, as reported by Yehor Danylov for Sports Arena. Chelsea are also interested in Mudryk and are ready to hijack a deal should his proposed move to the Gunners collapses.
Reports have suggested that Mudryk has already agreed a five-year contract with Arsenal as sporting director Edu Gaspar looks to negotiate a fee with the Ukrainian outfit.
READ MORE: Edu reaches Mykhaylo Mudryk Arsenal agreement amid improved transfer offer
Arsenal face £18.5m Joao Felix obstacle amid January loan deal
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs to be approached over signing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on loan until the end of the season. Manchester United have also been courted, but the finances involved in any deal for the Portuguese star may prove to be an issue.
According to The Athletic, Felix's agent, Jorge Mendes, has contacted multiple English clubs to lay out possible terms for a loan until the summer. Initial conversations have focused on a €21million (£18.5million) package for the remainder of this season, with a €15million (£13.2million) loan fee going to Atletico, and the rest covering the player’s wages.
Arsenal and Chelsea are both looking to sign an attacker, but neither are prepared to pay the requested loan fee and Felix's salary. The two London clubs are thought to be open to negotiating a loan deal worth around half of the current asking price from Atletico and the player.
Arsenal trigger Bukayo Saka contract extension as talks over new deal continue
Arsenal have activated a one-year extension option in Bukayo Saka's contract, football.london understands. The 21-year-old's deal was due to expire in the summer of 2023, but will now run until the summer of 2024 instead.
The Gunners have also activated their option to extend William Saliba's contract by a further year, football.london understands. Saka signed his last extension in July 2020 and has gone on to become a crucial player for Arteta's side, scoring seven goals and grabbing six assists this season.
As is often the case with youngsters who sign long-term contracts, the option to trigger a year extension was included in the deal and the Gunners have taken this up.
READ NEXT:
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Mykhaylo Mudryk deadline for Arsenal debut vs Newcastle revealed if transfer is completed
Emile Smith Rowe can return as William Saliba and Arsenal star could miss Newcastle clash
Arsenal face double suspension risk with Bukayo Saka and William Saliba for Newcastle clash
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