ARSENAL have reportedly upped their game in the pursuit of wonderkid Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Mudryk, 21, has been linked with The Gunners for some time now.
And it now seems Arsenal are stepping up the chase for him after holding talks with the Ukrainian winger, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “We know they (Arsenal) wanted a winger. Raphinha was the dream, but it was not possible to proceed.
“They have had very positive contacts on Mudryk on the player’s side, but then they decided not to proceed with Shakhtar because they wanted more than £40m to £45m.
“Now Shakhtar want more than £60m to £65m. But Arsenal are still following the player.
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“They consider Mudryk a top talent and so Arsenal are still there but let’s see because now the race is open with many top clubs, but Arsenal will be busy in the next few weeks.”
SunSport understands The Gunners are planning a trio of transfers in the January transfer window, with Mudryk, Yeremy Pino and Palmeiras star Danilo all lined up.
Mudryk has been in terrific form for his club side this season, with his Champions League performances in particular grabbing the attention of viewers.
The Shakhtar Donetsk ace has seven goals and seven assists in 14 games this season.
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This includes three goals and two assists in the Champions League group stages as his club came third in their group.
But following their elimination from the group stages they have been offered a European lifeline in the Europa League round of 32 play-off against Rennes.
Other clubs who shared the same fate were not so lucky however, with Barcelona facing a nightmare draw against Manchester United.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk