Arsenal are weighing up an improved bid for Mykhaylo Mudryk after an opening offer was turned down by Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Gunners tabled an opening bid in the region of £45m for the in-demand winger but have seen that proposal rejected.
Shakhtar are understood to value Mudryk closer to £80m, with the club’s director of football, Darijo Srna, having suggested the club will use the transfers of Jack Grealish to Manchester City (£100m) and Antony to Manchester United (£86m) as a comparison.
The Times are reporting that Arsenal are considering a renewed approach as Mikel Arteta looks to improve his squad and boost the club’s title challenge. The report says negotiations are ongoing and that there is optimism that a deal can be agreed.
Mudryk has catapulted himself into the consciousness of Europe’s top clubs after a rapid rise at the Ukrainian side. The 21-year-old broke into the Shakhtar side on a regular basis last season and was a summer transfer target for clubs including Everton and Brentford.
He has shone this season with ten goals and eight assists in 18 appearances, which included five goal contributions in six Champions League games.
Mudryk – who is said to be keen on the move to the Premier League – is not viewed as direct replacement for the injured Gabriel Jesus, but would add increased goal-threat to the Arsenal side and represent a long-term signing at the Emirates.
