'Hefty price': Mikel Arteta is currently blocking £52m Arsenal transfer despite Gabriel Jesus injury - Journalist

By Lee Connor

Arsenal have been rocked by news of an injury to Gabriel Jesus this week but Mikel Arteta is said to be blocking a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk as things stand.

Mudryk has been linked with a move to The Emirates for some time now. Indeed, recent reports have suggested it’s almost inevitable that Mudryk signs for the Gunners.

Of course, it’s well known as well that Murdryk would fancy the move to Arsenal. The Ukrainian forward is said to have spoken with Oleksandr Zinchenko and, essentially, made his mind up that the Gunners are his next club.

However, no deal has been done yet. And according to journalist Ben Jacobs, Mikel Arteta is the reason why nothing has been signed and sealed just yet.

“Arsenal believe that the player wants them, but Mikel Arteta hasn’t yet made up his mind. Although he likes the player and Arsenal would like to strengthen in that position, it is still a hefty price to pay,” Jacobs told GiveMeSport.

Mudryk has been valued at different numbers throughout the last few months. He could command as much as £52m, while a fee of around £40m has also been mooted.

TBR’s View: Mudryk signing now more important than ever

If Gabriel Jesus is to miss a period of the season then it makes Arsenal signing more new players in January even more vital.

Mudryk isn’t a direct replacement for Jesus as in playing in that number nine role. But he is another quality attacking addition and one that’s needed. In fact, Mudryk would have improved Arsenal anyway. Never mind adding Jesus’ injury into proceedings.

If Mikel Arteta is wary of spending such a sum on Mudryk, then decision time is looming. January is just weeks away and if Jesus is out injured, then Arsenal need to swoop ASAP to get someone in the door.