Arsenal 'should set up January deal' for £30m star at the Emirates

Arsenal should attempt to ‘steal a march on their rivals’ by setting up a deal which would see Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk head to the Emirates Stadium in January, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Gunners may have spent close to £120million during the summer, but boss Mikel Arteta will be given the opportunity to welcome even more fresh faces into his squad when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

Mudryk has revealed that he would like to compete in the Premier League, potentially opening the door for a move away from Shakhtar in January.

It comes after the 21-year-old admitted, in a video interview released earlier this month, he ‘can’t say no’ to a winter switch to Arsenal.

The Gunners could reportedly reignite their interest in Mudryk when the transfer window reopens, having missed out on striking a deal before the deadline earlier this month.

It is understood that Arsenal held discussions with the wide-man’s representatives as they explored the possibility of being able to strike a deal, while Everton were unsuccessful with a verbal proposal worth £25.7million.

Carlo Nicolini, Shakhtar’s assistant sporting director, has claimed it would take more than £30million to prise Mudryk away from his current employers.

O’Rourke believes Arsenal should think fast and ensure they are at the front of the queue for Mudryk’s signature by getting a deal in place.

The journalist feels the Ukrainian has a bright future ahead of him and, as a result, will be sought-after when the transfer window reopens for business.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “If Arsenal are smart, they will want to steal a march on their rivals.

“Maybe they should try and set up a deal in January for Mudryk. He’s a real top class