Arsenal chief executive makes huge transfer admission with Arsenal set to seal deal for star

Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham has stated that the club will support Mikel Arteta during the January transfer window, but has refused to comment on the club’s pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk.

Arteta wants to strengthen his Arsenal squad this month as he attempts to lead the club to their first Premier League title since 2004.

Arsenal have pulled five points clear of defending champions Manchester City, but Arteta believes reinforcements are required to keep Pep Guardiola’s side at bay.

Venkatesham claims Arsenal have a “very clear plan” for the transfer window and has promised to back Arteta if the right deal comes along.

‘We have a very clear plan, led by Edu, for how we want to strengthen the squad,’ Venkatesham told Sky Sports. ‘Of course, every transfer window, we’ll look to see what opportunities are available.

‘Of course, if something makes sense from a technical and financial standpoint, we’ll look at it, but we’re happy with the squad we’ve got.

‘We’ll look around, as we do every transfer window, but we have a long-term plan.’

Arsenal’s top target this month is Shakhtar Donetsk and Ukraine international Mudryk, but they will face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

When asked if Arsenal was getting any closer to signing Mudryk from Shakhtar, Venkatesham replied, ‘You know the answer I’m going to give you. We’re not going to discuss specific players.’

Arsenal have won three of their four games since the Qatar World Cup to maintain their Premier League lead. On Sunday, Arteta’s team will face Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby as they look to keep their lead at the top of the EPL table.