Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of reaching an agreement for the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The Gunners have identified Mudryk as their top target for the January transfer window, with negotiations currently taking place between the two clubs.
Arsenal allegedly had bids of £55m and £62m rejected, as Shakhtar hold out for a fee closer to their €100m (£88.8m) asking price.
Despite seeing a couple of offers knocked back, the Premier League leaders are believed to be making progress in their attempts to sign Mudryk, who has a contract with the Ukrainian club until 2026.
Although Chelsea have also been linked with the 22-year-old, Arsenal are growing confident that a deal can be agreed.
According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are closing in on an agreement to sign Mudryk in a deal that would result in the Gunners paying around £60m up front.
The report claims that the potential transfer could eventually rise to between £75m and 80m, although the add-ons involved are the only issue left to resolve.
Shakhtar are keen to include add-ons that are likely to be met, while they are also seeking assurances over the structure of the bonuses.
With an agreement appearing to be close, Mudryk recently took to social media to hint at a possible move.
In the background of a photo uploaded to his Instagram, there appeared to be a mock-up image of Mudryk wearing an Arsenal shirt with a sign displaying his name.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta refused to be drawn on the transfer speculation during his pre-match press conference for Sunday's North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur.
If Mudryk does complete a move to the Emirates, he would bolster Arteta's attacking options, with Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson currently sidelined with knee and thigh injuries respectively.
The Ukraine international has been in fine form for Shakhtar this season, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in 18 competitive appearances.
Mudryk, who has been with the Ukrainian club since January 2021, could be set to leave after registering 12 goals and 17 assists across 44 games.
Arsenal currently sit five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, but their lead could be reduced before they play Spurs on Sunday, with the Citizens set to face Manchester United in Saturday's Manchester derby. body check tags ::
