Arsenal have been backed to win the chase for an attacker rated at £100million, even though Newcastle are ‘massive’ now and can compete with anyone financially.
Arsenal could bolster three different positions in the January transfer window to help with their Premier League title push. They need to sign a new striker following Gabriel Jesus’ knee surgery and might just go after one of his Brazilian counterparts.
According to Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip, the Gunners are looking into the possibility of signing Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha. However, interest also comes from Prem rivals Chelsea, Leeds, Aston Villa, Wolves and Everton.
In addition to a new centre-forward, Arsenal are in the market for midfield reinforcements. Youri Tielemans looks like a possible new arrival in this position.
His Leicester deal expires at the end of the campaign. As such, Arsenal will be able to capture him for a cut-price fee this winter.
Then there is the potential winger signing. Mikel Arteta believes another wide player is needed to provide competition and backup for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
And this is where Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhaylo Mudryk comes in.
On Friday, TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealed Mudryk is ‘pushing’ for a move to the Emirates.
However, there is a sticking point over his potential fee. Shakhtar publicly value the Ukrainian at £100m, or Jack Grealish money as Darijo Srna calls it. Shakhtar are privately willing to accept less than this, but an agreement is yet to be reached with Arsenal over the final sum.
Arsenal will land winger ahead of Newcastle, says pundit
Now, former Hibernian striker Tam McManus has predicted Arsenal to sign Mudryk ahead of his other potential suitors, which includes Newcastle.
The Magpies are ‘massive’ and have the money to trouble pretty much any deal, but Arsenal’s hunt for the league title will sway Mudryk to join them, McManus says.
“Financially, Newcastle can compete with anyone, they’re massive. We know how rich those owners are,” the pundit declared during an interview with Football Insider.
“They are having a good season as well but they can’t offer what Arsenal are offering. Newcastle are not in Europe or in the title race.
“Arsenal are in the title race and will probably be back in the Champions League next season. That being said, Newcastle could be there too.
“I just think Newcastle are one or two years behind being able to pull off these kinds of deals. They will get there, there is no doubt about that.
“I think when it comes to Mudryk, Newcastle probably need to look elsewhere. It seems like he wants Arsenal and once a player’s mind is made up, that’s that.”
McManus is right about the 21-year-old wanting an Arsenal move. He has regularly spoken about he much he admires the club and Arteta’s style of play.
In addition, he is good friends with Ukraine team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal in July. This should help Mudryk to settle in north London once his Arsenal move reaches completion.
Newcastle will be frustrated at Mudryk opting to join one of their English rivals. However, they do have other transfer targets they can pursue, including Leicester’s James Maddison.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are apparently in talks over the signing of a Portugal World Cup player.
Source: teamtalk