'I'm told': Sky reporter shares the latest on Mudryk amid Arsenal links

Arsenal have missed out on one January transfer target, with Joao Felix set to join Chelsea.

However, the Gunners remain in pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk, their top target this month.

The saga between Arsenal and the Shakhtar Donetsk star has gone on for months now.

Mudryk has been dropping hints on social media regarding a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.

Indeed, he has also talked up Arsenal and expressed his desire of a big move away from Shakhtar.

At the same time, the Ukrainian club has their valuation of Mudryk and they’re not budging from it.

On Tuesday, Dharmesh Sheth provided the latest on the state of play between Arsenal and Mudryk.

He said on the Transfer Show (10/1/23, 17:34): “I’m told discussions continue around the structure of the fee.

“How much Arsenal will pay upfront and how much will be in performance-based incentives.

“That’s where it is at the moment.

“We think Arsenal are quite encouraged, privately, about Mudryk’s very public desire to go to the Emirates.

“Arsenal are top of the league, five points clear.

“I’m sure they see this as an opportunity which they probably didn’t think they would have to try and win the league.

“The Arsenal board, as they have always done under Mikel Arteta, want to back him.

“As far as Shaktar are concerned, Mudryk is their player.

“They don’t need to sell but if Arsenal come in with the money they want, they know Mudryk wants to go.”

Mudryk en route to Turkey for mid-season training camp

Although talks are ongoing, Shakhtar aren’t making any concessions in terms of leaving their player out of their plans.

The player is on his way to a mid-season training camp in Turkey with his club.

He joined up with his teammates this morning, and will now be preparing for three friendlies while the Ukrainian league is on a winter break.

That said, it’s good for Arsenal regarding Mudryk’s fitness. He’s not being frozen out and will be maintaining fitness and sharpness.

If the Gunners do succeed in completing a deal soon, then he should – in theory – be able to hit the ground running for Mikel Arteta’s side.