MY ACCOUNT
Arsenal have reportedly had their eye on Mykhaylo Mudryk for some time and they could finally be set to land their man.
The Gunners have enjoyed a fine start to the season and sit top of the Premier League table — five clear of second-placed Manchester City — having taken 37 points from their opening 14 games.
Maintaining that rhythm over the course of an intense campaign is going to be a challenge, especially with Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus now sidelined through injury.
Ahead of the North Londoners’ Boxing Day clash with West Ham, we take a look at how the addition of Mudryk could give them the added impetus they need.
Going from strength to strength
Pipping Pep Guardiola’s defending champions to the league title would be a phenomenal achievement for Mikel Arteta’s men.
The Citizens have lifted English football’s most prized trophy in four of the last five seasons — only a remarkable effort from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool disrupted their relentless run of success.
Arsenal are endeavouring to do the same but Jesus’ injury has left them light in attack.
Shakhtar Donetsk ace Mudryk is not a striker but the addition of his attacking talents could help to fill the void.
Arteta knows that he must continue to strengthen an already strong side — if he allows his team to stand still, they will likely be overtaken.
Many miles to be run
The Premier League title race is far from over.
City, Newcastle and Tottenham are all within eight points of Arsenal, while the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are also waiting in the wings.
The unique nature of this season — effectively split into two by the break for the World Cup — has given England’s elite the chance to pause, reflect and recalibrate ahead of the Boxing Day restart.
It is imperative that the Gunners hit the ground running when they lock horns with David Moyes’ Hammers.
Injection of impetus
One way of injecting impetus into Arsenal’s title challenge would be a statement signing like Mudryk.
The dynamic 21-year-old Ukrainian plays on the left flank and has proven his quality both domestically and in the Champions League.
He has netted seven goals in 12 league games so far this season and a further three in Europe — impressing in a tough group also featuring Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Celtic.
Mudryk’s ability to operate on the left of Arsenal’s attacking trident within their 4-3-3 could enable Gabriel Martinelli to shift to a more central role to replace his compatriot Jesus, though utilising Eddie Nketiah is another option.
Come and get me
Speaking last month, Mudryk made it clear that he would be open to joining Arsenal.
He said: “Shakhtar, for me, is my home. All my thoughts are only about Shakhtar. In winter, we [will] see.
“I think every guy dreams about [playing in the] Premier League. Arsenal is a very good team. Very good coach. I like the way they play.
“From my side, I cannot say no [to Arsenal]. But a transfer is not only my decision.”
Mikel’s main man
It seems more likely than not that Arteta will land his man.
Shakhtar have publicly put a price tag of £88million on the winger’s head — double what they quoted last summer when Everton and Nice fell short with bids.
But reports suggest that, when push comes to shove, the Ukrainian side will lower their asking price and sanction a move for a fee closer to £53m.
The Arsenal board appear to recognise the opportunity they have before them — a first Premier League title since 2004 — but the Gunners cannot afford to lose focus with West Ham and Brighton up first before the transfer window opens.
