Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Serhiy Palkin has revealed that they are still in firm talks with Arsenal over the transfer of Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The winger has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium after impressing for Shakhtar so far this season, scoring 10 goals in 18 appearances. Mudryk has also grabbed eight assists and is one of the world's brightest young talents with Arsenal and Real Madrid amongst his potential suitors.
However, the Gunners have stepped up their efforts to sign the 21-year-old following the injury to Gabriel Jesus which is set to keep him out for a couple of months. The Brazilian has been a shining light in the Gunners' attack this season but suffered a knee injury at the World Cup with Brazil and Arteta has acted fact.
Arsenal saw a bid of £55million rebuffed for Mudryk earlier this week and it is understood Shakhtar are holding out for a much larger offer for one of their star players. But Palkin has since confirmed that talks are progressing for Mudryk and revealed he is set to have further conversations with the Gunners on Thursday.
Palkin said on Thursday morning: "Talks for Mudryk are on. We receive offers but not the ones we would like to see on our table. I'll speak again to Arsenal so yes, we are open to discussing fees and ideas. If we will agree, then let it be so. If we will not, then let it be another time. Now, literally in five minutes, I will have a new phone call conversation with Arsenal for the Mykhaylo Mudryk deal."
It is understood Mudryk is himself keen on a move to north London, having revealed he wants a switch to the Premier League after watching the Gunners' 3-1 win over West Ham on Boxing Day. Second-half goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah earned Arsenal a comeback victory over the Hammers.
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"I do dream (of the Premier League). I think every guy dreams about the Premier League, Mudryk told CBS. "Arsenal is a very good team with a very good coach. I like the way they play. Yes, it would be hard to say no from my side, I can't say no but the transfer is not only my decision and my word."
Arsenal have only ever paid more than the £55m for Mudryk when they splashed the cash on Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe. The Gabon international scored an impeccable 92 goals in 163 matches for the Gunners across a four-year spell before he was shipped out to Barcelona back in January.
Meanwhile, Pepe's switch has been less than impressive, having struggled during his time at the Emirates Stadium following his £72m move from Lille. The 27-year-old is currently out on loan at Nice, after striking 27 times in 112 games for the Gunners.
