Arsenal target Mudryk has spoken with Zinchenko about move - journalist

By Jordan Harris

Journalist Ben Jacobs has told Give Me Sport that Mykhaylo Mudryk has been very impressed by Mikel Arteta and is keen to join Arsenal after speaking to Oleksandr Zinchenko amid reports over the weekend that a deal is close.

Mudryk looks to be a key target for the Gunners in January as they look to capitalise on their amazing start to the season. And it seems that he is edging closer to moving to North London.

The Daily Mirror claimed over the weekend that the framework of a £40 million deal is now in place between Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk. That is despite the Ukrainian club previously suggesting to The Athletic that they wanted around £86 million (€100 million) for the winger.

Mudryk has spoken with Zinchenko

Mudryk has made no secret of his admiration for Arsenal. He previously told CBS Sports that he would struggle to turn down the Gunners.

And Jacobs has now suggested that the 21-year-old is a big fan of Arteta, while he has also spoken with his countryman.

“From Mudryk’s point of view, he wants Arsenal, it’s as simple as that,” he told Give Me Sport.

“He said that many times including directly to me in an interview that I did about two months ago, he said he can’t say no to Arsenal.

“He’s spoken directly with Zinchenko his countryman, he’s very impressed by Mikel Arteta and the style that the team play.”

Arteta’s turnaround has been absolutely remarkable. Certainly, it is hard to think of too many people who didn’t think he was on the brink of losing his job at various stages.

But Edu and the club stuck by Arteta as they saw the bigger picture. That is now reaping real rewards.

Arsenal have elevated themselves to back amongst the Premier League heavyweights. And they have a squad that should continue to grow for several years yet.

They also have one of the world’s most exciting talents wanting to join, largely because of the Spaniard.

It would be a huge boost if they bring him in in January. Shakhtar set such a high valuation because they believe that he has as much quality as Jack Grealish (The Athletic).

That could make a huge difference in the title race when the Premier League campaign resumes.