Arsenal are reportedly refusing to entertain a bidding war for Shakhtar Donetsk's Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Shakhtar's director of football Darijo Srna was pictured at Stamford Bridge last night with reports suggesting that Chelsea are attempting to hijack the Gunners' move for the Ukrainian.
CBS Sports reports that whilst Mudryk is Mikel Arteta's top target, the club are not willing to be a part of Shakhtar's attempts to start a bidding war with their London rivals.
Reporter James Benge tweeted that there had been no breakthrough but that the likely rejection of a second bid had not cooled the league leaders' interest in the player, however, he emphasised that they will not be dragged into a bidding war.
Several reports suggest that Arsenal are willing to withdraw from the race for the player, who is said to have his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium.
The 22-year-old has featured in 18 matches so far this season for his club, scoring 10 and assisting eight goals, including five contributions in six Champions League games. body check tags ::
