ARSENAL must increase their bid for Mykhalo Mudryk if they are to land the winger amid interest from Chelsea, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta's side are still haggling with the Ukrainian Champions Shakthar Donetsk over the amount of money which they will have to pay up front.
Chelsea have now entered the race for the 21-year-old, making things more complicated for the Gunners.
Furthermore, it is believed that their interest in Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans has cooled.
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Taking the Myk
Arsenal are in a huge transfer fight to land top target Mykailo Mudryk.
That’s because Chelsea are reportedly willing to beat ANY offer the Gunners make to Shakhtar Donetsk for the winger.
SunSport exclusively revealed the Blues are attempting to hijack Arsenal’s move for Mudryk.
The exciting forward has his heart set on an Emirates switch after months of talks.
But Chelsea are now set to hold advanced talks with Shakhtar chief Daijo Srna over a Stamford Bridge switch.
And the Independent claims Todd Boehly is prepared to blow Arsenal out of the water by bettering any future offer they make.
Emirates transfer guru Edu has already had a £55million offer rejected by Shakhtar.
And the Ukrainians are expected to snub his latest bid of £62m as they hold out for nearer £88m.
Credit: PA - Anthony Chapman
Good morning Arsenal fans
Shakhtar Donetsk are set to turn down Arsenal's improved £62million bid for Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Gunners launched a £52m opening bid for Mudryk, which was promptly rejected.
And according to the Mail, their follow up offer will also be denied by Shakhtar.
The Ukrainian giants value their prized asset at around £88m in the January transfer window.
And Chelsea entering the race has only strengthened their bargaining position.
The Blues are yet to make an official bid for the winger but are set to open negotiations for his signature this week.
Thus, Arsenal will have to increase their bid for Mudryk after Chelsea got involved in the bidding war for the player.
The Gunners are confident of beating the West Londoners to Mudryk – amid claims he watches their games and team-mates joke he's already joined.
The 21-year-old has reportedly held talks with the North Londoners after admitting he's keen to make the move.
According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, the forward’s Shakhtar team-mates have joked since the summer he has already switched to the Emirates.
Jacobs also claims Mudryk is in "regular contact" with Ukraine team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko, who currently plays in North London, and watches "almost every Arsenal game".
Arsenal expect to soon agree personal terms with the Ukraine international, who has previously stated he "can't say no" to the Premier League leaders.
Meanwhile, Shakhtar Donetsk director Darijo Srna will be in London this week to discuss a potential deal over Mudryk.
Srna is expected to attend Thursday’s clash between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports Shakhtar will be in communication with the Blues over Mudryk but he adds that the Gunners remain the 21-year-old’s top priority.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have “cooled” their interest in signing Leicester star Youri Tielemans, whom they have been targeting for months.
Tielemans has less than six months left on his deal with the Foxes and is free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs.
However, Football London are now claiming that the Gunners “are not thought to be keen” on the midfielder.
With Gabriel Jesus ruled out through injury, manager Mikel Arteta is desperate to add attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window instead.
- Kostas Lianos
Pep Guardiola wanring
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his players they will have to be "almost perfect" to catch Arsenal.
The gap between the Premier League top 2 is currently eight points after the Gunners drew against Newcastle on Tuesday.
Ahead of City's trip to Chelsea on Thursday, Guardiola said: "The way to reduce the gap is to play good and win games.
"If Arsenal continue the way they are they will get 100 points. So we have to be almost perfect to catch them"
- Kostas Lianos
Potter on Mudryk
Chelsea boss Graham Potter has remained coy on transfer links with Shakhtar Donetsk star and Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk.
Mudryk is now being eyed by Stamford Bridge chiefs who are looking to swoop for a shock deal.
But Potter has refused to give any insight on if the West Londoners could pip their Premier League rivals to a deal.
The 47-year-old tactician said: “We’ve to deal with all the noise of Chelsea getting linked with everybody and I don’t comment on any deal”
- Kostas Lianos
Not Tiel time
Arsenal have “cooled” their interest in signing Leicester star Youri Tielemans, whom they have been targeting for months.
Tielemans has less than six months remaining on his deal with the Foxes and is free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs.
However, Football London are now reporting that the Gunners “are not thought to be keen” on the midfielder.
With Gabriel Jesus ruled out through injury, manager Mikel Arteta is desperate to bring in attacking reinforcements during the January transfer window.
Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk has emerged as Arteta's No1 target
- Kostas Lianos
Ramsey back at Nice
Ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey has returned to Nice following an extended break after the World Cup, writes SunSport's Philip Cadden.
The Wales midfielder, 32, struggled to come to terms with Wales' group stage exit in Qatar, according to club boss Lucien Favre.
But SunSport have been told Ramsey is now back in France ready for the rest of the Ligue 1 campaign.
The ex-Arsenal and Juventus ace has not played since the 3-0 thumping by England in Doha on November 29.
Favre said 78-cap Ramsey had found the World Cup disappointment "hard to digest"
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Taking the Mik
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta blasted at the referee after "two scandalous penalties" were turned down in the goalless draw against Newcastle.
A livid Arteta raged to Sky Sports after the match: "We had two scandalous penalties [denied]."
When asked which of the claims was stronger, the Spaniard hit back: "It's not about the stronger, they are two penalties. That's very simple."
Arteta was then quizzed if he had spoken to referee Andy Madley on the incidents.
The Arsenal boss replied: "I am talking about what I've seen now, and it's two scandalous penalties"
- Kostas Lianos
Cedric Soares situation
Arsenal are desperate to offload Cedric Soares this month but his huge wage demands are putting Fulham off from making a transfer swoop.
Cedric has made just two Premier League appearances for the Gunners this term.
And manager Mikel Arteta is keen to get the right-back off the wage bill so he can bring in new faces for the North Londoners' title charge.
The Cottagers are known to be extremely interested in a swoop.
But Fulham are operating on a lighter budget just six months after winning promotion back to the top flight.
And the Standard claims they cannot afford to meet Cedric’s wages for either a loan or a permanent move in the January transfer window
- Kostas Lianos
Neville on Arsenal
Gary Neville has declared talk of Arsenal winning the title as premature.
Neville told Sky Sports: “To say we’re even talking about the title now – we’re nowhere near title talk.
“[Mikel Arteta] will try to relax them, he’s been there before with Manchester City. That will help them. I think they’ll be OK.
“A good season for Arsenal would be to finish in the top three. That would be a sensational season”
- Kostas Lianos
Hector Bellerin statement
Ex-Arsenal star Hector Bellerin revealed his shockingly low Barcelona wages as he called on "dehumanised" footballers to pay the most tax.
But Bellerin – who regularly uses his voice for activism and social justice – did not demand mega wages as has become the norm among Europe's biggest clubs.
Instead, the right-back's one-year deal is worth £440,000 – or less than £8,500 per week.
Bellerin told Ara: "I signed with Barca for €500,000. Nowadays what worries me is playing football at the highest level.
"I am lucky that I have been doing this for many years and I am in a financially comfortable situation that allows me to enjoy the that I want.
"In the end, we don't need as much as we think and I live a very normal life. My priorities are not based on a financial issue"
Credit: Reuters - Kostas Lianos
Mikhailo Mudryk rejection
Shakhtar Donetsk are set to reject Arsenal's improved £62million bid for Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Gunners launched a £52million opening bid for Mudryk, which was promptly rejected.
And according to the Mail, their follow up £62m offer will also be turned down by Shakhtar.
Shakthar value their prized asset at around £88m in the January transfer window.
And Chelsea entering the race has only strengthened the Ukrainian giants' bargaining position.
The Blues are yet to make an official bid for the winger, but are set to open talks for his signature this week
- Kostas Lianos
Time will Tiel
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is still optimistic that Youri Tielemans will sign a new contract before his current deal runs out in June, in what poses as a transfer blow to Arsenal.
Rodgers said: "It has gone on for a while, but it's all based around the player, ultimately.
"His commitment is no less now to what it was when I first came in – if not even more. He's loved his time here and is still loving his time here.
"I respect that he's in his last year, of course I want to tie him down. He's been a brilliant player for this club and is still at a great age. It's something that has to be right for all parties.
"Until I'm told he's not here, we work very well together. He's a coach's dream, with his professionalism and view of the game.
"Nothing changes for me in that aspect, we just continue to hopefully find a resolution to it and have him sign here. I think it's one where we want to do everything we can to convince him to stay"
- Kostas Lianos
Well I Nev-er
Gary Neville suggested Arsenal ace Fabio Vieira was not involved against Newcastle because manager Mikel Arteta did not believe he would make an impact.
After the game, Neville said: "Fabio Vieira cost £34million.
"Mikel obviously thought he would’ve weakened the side by bringing him on"
- Kostas Lianos
Miguel Eez back
Arsenal have bolstered their ranks by recalling Miguel Azeez from his loan at UD Ibiza after manager Mikel Arteta’s transfer plea.
The Gunners were left frustrated on Tuesday after they were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle at The Emirates.
That stretched their lead at the top of the Premier League table to eight points – but rivals Manchester City can close the gap to five with a win over Chelsea on Thursday.
With Gabriel Jesus ruled out through injury, Arteta is desperate to bring in reinforcements during the January transfer window.
And the Spaniard's lack of options were evident as he decided to make just one substitute during the game, which was right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu replacing Ben White.
Now Arteta could have one extra option to call on after Arsenal decided to bring back England midfielder Azeez
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Mudryk's a big fan
Arsenal are confident of beating Chelsea to Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk – amid claims he watches their games and team-mates joke he's already joined.
Mudryk, 21, has reportedly held talks with the Gunners after admitting he's keen to make the move.
According to CBS’ Ben Jacobs, the winger's Shakhtar team-mates have joked since the summer he has already switched to the Emirates.
Jacobs also says the Mudryk is in "regular contact" with Ukraine team-mate Oleksandr Zinchenko, who currently plays in North London, and watches "almost every Arsenal game".
The Gunners expect to soon agree personal terms with the Ukraine international, who has previously stated he "can't say no" to the Premier League leaders
- Kostas Lianos
Mudryk talks imminent
Shakhtar Donetsk director Darijo Srna will be in London this week to discuss a potential deal over Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk.
Srna is expected to attend Thursday’s Stamford Bridge clash between Chelsea and Manchester City.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports Shakhtar will be communication with the Blues over Mudryk.
But Romano adds that the Gunners remain the 21-year-old’s top priority
- Kostas Lianos
Gabriel slams referee
Arsenal ace Gabriel Magalhaes took to Twitter to express frustration with the referee in Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle at the Emirates.
Gabriel posted a "hand on face" emoji alongside a video of the Magpies' Dan Burn dragging his shirt in the box.
That was one of two penalty appeals the hosts had that were waved away by match official Andy Madley, who showed nine yellow cards.
The Gunners' manager Mikel Arteta said he was was also not happy with the "scandalous" penalty decisions after the game
- Kostas Lianos
Mykhailo Mudryk bid
Arsenal will have to increase their bid for Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk after Chelsea got involved in the bidding war for the player.
The Gunners wanted to land Mudryk for around £60million but Shakhtar want something closer to £85m.
According to the Evening Standard, the Ukrainian giants feel their position has been strengthened after the Blues emerged as contenders for the winger.
The 21-year-old has been a target for Arsenal for months but the North Londoners have hit a roadblock on the price
Credit: Getty - Kiro Evans
Pot Luck?
Graham Potter has remained coy on whether Chelsea might make a grab for Mykhaylo Mudryk.
The long-term Arsenal target is reportedly now a target for Stamford Bridge chiefs who are looking to swoop for a shock deal.
But Blues boss Potter has refused to give any insight on if Chelsea could pip their rivals to a deal.
He said: "We've to deal with all the noise of Chelsea getting linked with everybody and I don't comment on any deal."
- Kiro Evans
Mik Meltdown
Mikel Arteta was slammed for his furious touchline rant at the end of Arsenal's draw with Newcastle.
And critical opposition fans on social media called on the Gunners boss to be slapped with a touchline ban following his sidelines antics when decisions went against Arsenal.
One said on Twitter: "This guy needs a touchline ban, he has been out [of] line all year."
Another wrote: "Out of his technical area all game again. Premier League needs to get a grip of him."
A third added: "I wonder if Arteta will get a touchline ban. His antics week in week out are a disgrace."
- Kiro Evans
Loan Spell Ended
Arsenal academy star Miguel Azeez has been recalled from a loan spell early for a second time in a year.
The 20-year-old was loaned to Spanish second division side UD Ibizia in September but is now returning home after only featuring in two of their last nine league matches.
Azeez had previously been at Portsmouth last season but was recalled by Arsenal in January after only making 10 appearances.
- Kiro Evans
Xhak Attack
Granit Xhaka has insisted a run in the FA Cup is still important to Arsenal despite their dynamite league form.
The Gunners have an eight point lead at the top of the table but will be in cup action next away at League 1 Oxford United. Arsenal will soon also have to contend with the return of the Europa League.
Asked whether the FA Cup remains important, Xhaka said: "Absolutely, last season we lost after our first game and we know how important the FA Cup is for us, for this football club and for the fans and next Monday we want to do the next step forwards."
- Kiro Evans
'Almost Perfect'
Pep Guardiola has warned his Man City stars they will have to be 'almost perfect' to catch Arsenal.
The gap between the Premier League top 2 is currently eight points after the Gunners drew last night.
Ahead of City's trip to Chelsea tomorrow, Guardiola said: "The way to reduce the gap is to play good and win games.
"If Arsenal continue the way they are they will get 100 points. So we have to be almost perfect to catch them."
- Kiro Evans
'Point could be massive'
Granit Xhaka has tried to look on the positives on last night's frustrating 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
Arsenal could not break the Magpies down and now face seeing their commanding lead at the top of the table cut down to five points by the end of tomorrow night.
But Xhaka told club media: "I mean, after this season the people expect to win all the games, but this is football.
"It can happen in games like this where we’re not so lucky and small things are missing. We will take the point, it’s only a point, of course, but this point could be massive at the end of the season."
- Kiro Evans
Super Saka
Arsenal dropped points for only the third time this season as they drew 0-0 with Newcastle.
The Gunners struggled to make chances as the game wore on and had multiple penalty shouts turned down.
While Bukayo Saka impressed, other players struggled to get going. Read SunSport's full match ratings from last night here.
Saka is enjoying yet another impressive season in an Arsenal shirt
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