GOOD NEWS: Arsenal now believe ‘special’ £40m star ‘wants’ Emirates move

Arsenal are confident that Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk wants to complete a transfer to the Emirates Stadium, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The Gunners went into the break from domestic football sitting five points clear at the top of the Premier League, but boss Mikel Arteta will be given an opportunity to bolster his options during the January transfer window.

The Mirror have revealed that Arsenal are set to win the race for Mudryk after it has emerged that Shakhtar are open to accepting a bid worth £40million plus potential add-ons.

But the Gunners are not the only side eager to strike a deal as, according to The Athletic, the winger has gained additional interest from Manchester City, Newcastle United, Paris Saint-Germain, Brentford, Everton and Bayer Leverkusen.

As per Ukrainian media outlet Sport Arena, Mudryk is ‘shocked’ by his current employers’ financial demands and feels the hefty valuation will deter top European clubs from heading to the negotiating table.

Respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal held ‘very positive contacts’ with their target’s representatives during the summer.

During an interview with CBS Sports, Mudryk has previously admitted he ‘can’t say no’ to a winter move to the Emirates Stadium.

Jacobs has told Gunners247 that the 21-year-old, along with Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, has his ‘heart set’ on joining Arsenal.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Ben Jacobs said about Mudryk?

Jacobs understands Arsenal are confident that Mudryk is eager to link up with the Gunners instead of any of his other suitors.

However, the journalist is aware that the valuation placed on the Ukrainian by Shakhtar has resulted in Arteta holding off heading to the negotiating table.

Jacobs told Gunners247: “Arsenal believe that the player wants them, but Mikel Arteta hasn’t yet made up his mind.

“Although he likes the player and Arsenal would like to strengthen in that position, it is still a hefty price to pay.”

How has Mudryk performed so far this season?

According to Transfermarkt, Mudryk has already found the back of the net 10 times and registered a further eight assists in 18 appearances since the campaign got underway.

He certainly made an impact in the Champions League group stage as SofaScore statistics show he got his name on the scoresheet every 173 minutes.

As per WhoScored, Mudryk registered an average match rating of 6.93 in the competition, which was only bettered by two team-mates before Shakhtar were knocked out.

Although Transfermarkt shows the wide-man is still searching for his first international goal despite winning eight Ukraine caps, there is no doubt that he is a major threat in the final third of the pitch.

Mudryk has also been described as ‘special’ by Goal journalist Charles Watts and he would be an asset if Arsenal win the race for his signature.