Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attack during the January transfer window (Picture: Getty)
Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna has told Mikel Arteta to break the bank in order to sign Mikhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Gunners have been monitoring the Ukraine international winger since the summer and have already had two bids rejected in the last week.
A failure to agree a fee and meet Shakhtar’s £88million valuation has presented Chelsea with an opportunity to swoop in and talks are scheduled to take place between Todd Boehly and Darijo Srna, who attended last night’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal are reluctant to be drawn into a bidding war with their London rivals but with Arteta short of attacking reinforcements, Sagna believes it’s imperative the current league leaders don’t allow Mudryk to slip out of their grasp.
‘£60 million for Mykhailo Mudryk makes sense,’ Sagna told Midnite. ‘I like young prospects, I’ve watched highlights and videos of him since 2019, and I’ve praised his quality since.
‘The danger he can create on the one-on-one. The signing makes sense, he could be playing at Arsenal for several years, hopefully, he joins the club and benefits the club’s future.
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‘The market now has changed, his age, the position he plays and his contribution to Shakhtar Donetsk and Ukraine is the reason his price tag is high. Mudryk is worth the money.’
With a move for Mudryk running into complications, Arsenal are said to be ready to up their interest in Atletico Madrid misfit Joao Felix who is available on a six-month loan.
With Gabriel Jesus still at least six weeks away from being read to make his comeback from the knee injury he sustained at the World Cup, Sagna believes it makes sense for Arsenal to sign the Portugal international as well.
He added: ‘Any striker will be welcome to Arsenal, especially after the blow of Gabriel Jesus’ injury, it’s a big loss because he would put lots of pressure on the opposition defence.
‘I hope Joao Felix can join the club if he is linked, I hope he will have an impact because Arsenal will have a lot of difficult games soon and the season is long.’
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The Gunners are desperate to strengthen their attack in the January transfer window.