Sources: Arsenal well placed to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk
Arsenal are increasingly confident of signing Shakhtar Donetsk sensation Mykhaylo Mudryk and a deal could be finalised by the end of next week, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League leaders have submitted a formal bid for the Ukraine international, which is believed to be worth over £45million.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given the green light to signing Mudryk, 21, and wants a deal completed as soon as the transfer window opens on Sunday.
Arsenal’s offer includes bonuses and add-ons based on appearances, but falls short of the £60million-plus asking price of the Ukrainian side.
However, Shakhtar have accepted they will have to sell Mudryk, even though he has a contract until 2026.
The Ukranian club finished third in their Champions League group, dropping into the Europa League, on the back of a series of dazzling displays from the winger.
He combined five goals and assists in six groups and convinced his English suitors to make a move for him.
Mudryk, is a long-term target for Arsenal and has publicly declared his interest in joining them on multiple occasions.
He gave another hint of his intentions on Monday night, when he showed on social media that he was watching Arsenal's 3-1 win against West Ham.
Newcastle have also registered their interest in a deal for Mudryk after setting their sights on landing an A-list attacker who can play out wide, most likely on the left flank, and provide a consistent goal threat.
However, Arsenal are in the driving seat to complete a deal and are pushing to secure a full agreement in the next days.
Arteta fears that he could be without Gabriel Jesus for three months after the Brazil striker underwent surgery on the knee that he injured playing at the World Cup.
That has left Eddie Nketiah, 23, as the only recognised centre forward at the club. Nketiah started and scored in Monday's victory over West Ham.