With the January transfer window to open shortly, it's certainly an exciting time to be an Arsenal supporter amid links to Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix.
In regards to the former, football.london understands that the Gunners submitted a first official bid for the Ukraine international earlier this week and the offer was believed to be in the region of £55m including add-ons. Whilst that bid was rejected, it has since been revealed that negotiations are ongoing.
"Now, literally in five minutes, I will have a phone conversation with Arsenal," Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin told the media, as per CBS Sports. "We are open to negotiations, ready to exchange ideas and figures. If we will agree, then let it be so."
READ MORE: Mykhaylo Mudryk latest, Tielemans delay, Felix doubt: Arsenal January transfer state of play
Meanwhile, The Athletic's David Ornstein has revealed that Arsenal would like to secure a loan deal for Felix in addition to Mudryk as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options during the January transfer window, but face one key obstacle to seal a move for the Atletico Madrid star.
"They [Arsenal] are keen to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid," Ornstein said on Wednesday night. "He's been offered to a number of clubs and at the moment the numbers are too high. Arsenal are keen to do it but the numbers would need to come down."
If the north London outfit are able to sign Felix then he would be reunited with a familiar face in Thomas Partey - albeit temporarily - as the pair were teammates for one full season at Atletico Madrid following the Portugal international's £112m transfer from Benfica in the summer of 2019.
And it would appear that there is still mutual respect between them after they were spotted chatting after Portugal beat Ghana in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - a match in which Felix scored.
Amid confirmation that the Gunners are indeed pursuing a deal for the 22-year-old, it's worth revisiting a theory amongst supporters on Twitter that Partey will play the role of a 'secret agent' to ensure Felix ends up at the Emirates Stadium at some point during the January transfer window.
@abochie_ said: "Agent Partey convincing Felix to join Arsenal in January", @Danaliagan said: "I see you agent Partey!!! I see you", @shaf_Fr33dom said: "Agent Partey bringing Felix to the carpet" and @kayfalowo said: "Agent Partey chatting with Felix."
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