GOOD NEWS: Arsenal set to win race for top transfer target in £40million deal

Premier League leaders Arsenal are set to win the race for the player dubbed the ‘Ukrainian Neymar’.

Mykhaylo Mudryk has drawn the attention of clubs across Europe and Newcastle are also chasing the 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk wing wonder. But insiders say the Gunners have the framework of a deal in place after Shakhtar significantly lowered their original demands, which were said to be close to £90million.

It is now understood they are willing to accept around £40m plus potential add-ons. Another factor in Arsenal’s favour is Mudryk’s desire to link up with Ukraine teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko – the left-back moved to the Emirates from Manchester City for £32m in July.

Mudryk had admitted he felt his dream of signing for one of Europe’s elite clubs was “wounded” by Shakhtar’s initial asking price. “When I found out about my price, I wasn’t just surprised – I was shocked,” Mudryk told Sport Arena.

“I have a long-term contract with Shakhtar, I give all my strength and energy so that Shakhtar achieves maximum results, but every football player has a dream to play in a top club and in a top championship – I am no exception.

“But I am 100 per cent sure that they are unlikely to buy a player from the championship of Ukraine for 100million. I will not hide that I was very upset. The amount of 100 million puts a barrier for my transition to the top championship, which I so dreamed of. I can’t say that my dream was killed, but wounded – that’s for sure.”

Mudryk came through the academy ranks at Shakhtar before making his senior debut during the 2018/19 campaign. This season, he has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances in all competitions and was especially impressive in the Champions League group stage, netting three times and grabbing two assists.

rsenal have made adding a winger to their ranks a priority, with Mikel Arteta short of back-up options for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners have enjoyed a brilliant start to the season and top the Premier League after winning 12 of their 14 games.

While some fans may be wary about upsetting the apple cart with midseason recruitment, others are desperate to see Emirates Stadium chiefs splash the cash in the January transfer window to strengthen Arsenal’s title charge. As well as signing Zinchenko last summer, Arsenal bought Gabriel Jesus from City and Fabio Vieira from Porto, and their overall spend was north of £100million.