Arsenal hit brick wall in race to sign Ukrainian starlet

Shakhtar Donetsk has turned down Arsenal’s opening bid for Mykhailo Mudryk.

The Gunners have tabled a £55 million bid for the winger and are in talks with the Ukrainian club about a January move.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Shakhtar have rejected that offer and are hoping to get as much as £85 million for the 21-year-old next month.

Mudryk is eager to join Mikel Arteta’s side, but Arsenal’s offer has fallen far short of Shakhtar’s valuation – but there is still hope that a deal will be reached. Mudryk has made no secret of his desire to join Arsenal, speculating about a move to the Emirates on several occasions this season.

The winger also stirred up Arsenal fans’ interest by posting video of himself watching Arsenal’s Boxing Day win over West Ham.

Mikel Arteta was questioned about his post-match social media activity, but he was adamant that the Shakhtar star’s actions should not be interpreted as a hint as to where he might end up in January.

‘The good thing is that there aren’t many other matches in other countries just like in England, We’re the only ones playing through Christmas, so hopefully a lot of people watched our game and we put on a good show for them.’

Asked for a response to speculation that Arsenal have launched an opening offer, Arteta added: ‘You know I never speak about players that are not with us and I know in this transfer market you have to ask me the question.

‘We said we’d try to find ways to strengthen the team and find the right players.’

Mudryk stated in November that he was’shocked’ and ‘upset’ by Shakhtar’s attempt to value him at €100 million (£87.5 million).

‘I spoke with my agent and I know that in the summer there were several offers for me from clubs in the top European championships, but the club decided not to let me go. ‘I took it as completely normal because I have complete faith in Shakhtar’s management,’ Mudryk explained.

‘The amount of €100m puts a barrier in my transition to the top leagues, which I so desire,’ he continued. I wouldn’t say my dream was killed, but it was certainly wounded.

‘But I’m a professional, I’m a Shakhtar player, and we have a few difficult games left in the championship that we need to win, and I’ll give it my all till the end.’