Wonderkid linked with Arsenal hints he could be ideal Man United replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo

Arsenal transfer and Shakhtar Donetsk star forward Mykhaylo Mudryk has admitted he idolises Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 21-year-old was linked with a move to the Gunners in the summer transfer window, however, a move failed to materialise and the attacker - considered one of the brightest talents in Europe - remained in Ukraine. He has made an impressive start to the new season, registering five goal contributions in his first five appearances.

Mudryk previously expressed his desire to join Arsenal, but the London outfit were priced out of a move for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger in the summer.

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It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta's side, or any other Premier League club, will make a move for the youngster next year, but the Ukrainian star has since admitted that he mirrors his game on five-time Ballon d'Or winner and United frontman Ronaldo.

In an interview with The Times, Mudryk said: "It’s more comfortable for me when I play on the line where I can show all my potential one against one. I have more space to move to the front and I can create a lot more chances when I play on the line.

"There are more people in the middle. But, you know, the middle is also OK for me. My inspiration is Cristiano Ronaldo because of what you can do if you work hard and believe in yourself.

"I like the way Cristiano plays. I see myself like that - a winger. But I need more time to change my position from 11 or 7 to 9. With time it is possible."

Ronaldo has endured a difficult start to the new campaign, registering just one goal in eight appearances. He has only started on three occasions for Erik ten Hag's men, but could be set to start