ARSENAL are stepping up their interest for Mykhalo Mudryk amid interest from Chelsea, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta's side were 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, Gabriel Jesus has provided an update as he steps up his return from injury.
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- Emillia Hawkins
Gunners 'to continue negotiations' with Shakhtar
Arsenal have more direct talks scheduled with Shakhtar Donetsk as they continue to pursue a deal for Mykhailo Mudryk.
According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, the Gunners are not concerned by a potential Chelsea hijack.
- Emillia Hawkins
Arsenal 'won't get sucked into Mudryk bidding war'
Arsenal will not get sucked into a bidding war with Chelsea for Mykhailo Mudryk, according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs.
The Gunners have a top-end valuation of around £65million for Mudryk, so if they place a higher offer and fail, regardless of Chelsea's interest, they will walk away from the deal.
However, in the mean time Mikel Arteta and Edu still believe that a deal is still in their control.
Credit: Getty - Emillia Hawkins
Road to Recovery
Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus struggled to walk in his knee brace as he hit the gym to continue his recovery from surgery.
The striker sustained an injury while playing at the World Cup with Brazil and he has since gone under the knife.
Jesus faces another possible two months on the sidelines and while he is out, the 25-year-old has been trying to keep fit.
The former Manchester City man uploaded a video to his Instagram page showing his rehabilitation.
He can be seen in the clip hobbling around the gym wearing a brace on his knee.
Jesus also did plenty of exercises such as lifting weights and stretching his injured knee.
Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CnApTPPMOPi/?hl=en
- Emillia Hawkins
Where's Joao?
Joao Felix was left out of Atletico Madrid’s victory over Real Oviedo, fuelling the fire around a potential move away from the Spanish capital.
Atletico overcame their opposition 2-0 in the Copa del Rey without the influence of the Portuguese playmaker, who wasn’t in the squad at all.
The reason for his absence is a mystery with some reports suggesting he was injured and others saying that Atletico are trying to avoid him getting injured to ensure a move away for the star.
Felix has been linked to a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea.
Despite being Atletico’s record signing the 23-year-old has fallen out of favour with manager Diego Simeone since making the £113million move from Benfica.
It is reported the club are willing to let him leave on loan, but that they expect an eye-watering £10.5m loan fee to convince them to part with his talents.
Credit: Getty - Emillia Hawkins
P-Rice is Right
Arsenal are ready to launch a shock bid for Declan Rice, according to reports.
The Gunners sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League as they chase their first league title in 19 years.
But Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his squad in January with Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk.
However, Spanish outlet Fichajes report the Emirates boss wants his board to sanction a big-money move for Rice in the summer.
West Ham captain Rice, 23, is rated at around £88million and his club have previously refused to let him leave despite plenty of interest.
But he has rejected a new contract and alerted potential suitors at the World Cup when he publicly expressed his desire to be at a club competing for trophies and in the Champions League.
Credit: Getty - Emillia Hawkins
Arsenal and Chelsea 'to step up' Mudryk race
Arsenal and Chelsea are set to accelerate negotiations for Mykhailo Mudryk this week, according to the Evening Standard.
Both clubs are battling for the £88million-rated attacker and talks are starting to heat up with Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin currently in London.
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.
Meanwhile, Chelsea chief Todd Boehly is willing to blow the Gunners out of the water with a huge bid.
- Emillia Hawkins
Your Choice
Arsenal have reportedly “cooled” their interest in signing Leicester City star Youri Tielemans.
The Gunners have been keen on the 25-year-old Belgian international for months.
They were keen on bringing him in last summer and have been heavily linked with swoop in the January window.
Tielemans has less than six months remaining on his deal with Leicester and is free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs.
That means he could be available for a cut-price fee this month with a number of teams keen.
Chelsea have allegedly now shown interest in the former Anderlecht and Monaco man, while he also has options in Spain.
However, Football London are now reporting that the Gunners “are not thought to be keen”.
Credit: Alamy - Emillia Hawkins
Gunners fume
The ball was in play for just 51 minutes and 23 seconds during Arsenal's Premier League clash with Newcastle on Tuesday, four minutes less than the average for this season, according to The Times.
And former Arsenal chief David Dein believes it is proof that referees should not be in charge of timekeeping during games.
On Wednesday, Dein told The Times: "Last night’s match between Arsenal and Newcastle was another argument in favour of independent timekeeping or Pure Time.
"The time has come for transparency via a countdown clock so the public can actually see how much time is left. It should not be a national secret.
"My understanding is there is a clear consensus among Premier League referees that they would be quite happy for timekeeping not to be their responsibility to allow them to concentrate on the game.
"I’m not saying the clock should be stopped every time the ball goes out of play, but certainly for those incidents which cause the greatest delays: goal celebrations, substitutions, penalties, injuries and now VAR checks."
- Emillia Hawkins
Fab Reunion
Cesc Fabregas returned to Arsenal this week to assist former teammate Jack Wilshere with the club's youth setup.
Wilshere, 31, became head coach of Arsenal's U18s last year after retiring from professional football.
But he enlisted the help of Fabregas this week ahead of the Gunners' upcoming clash with Norwich U18s.
Wilshere took to Instagram to compliment the Spaniard on Wednesday, writing: "Learning from the best football brain I know!
"As a player I wish I had the chance to play with this guy for longer but having the chance to pick his brain about certain situations and how he thinks about the game is invaluable."
- Emillia Hawkins
Mind the Gap
Pep Guardiola has cranked up the title mind games by claiming his Manchester City side are at a disadvantage as expectations are higher for them.
The City boss also insists Prem leaders Arsenal could hit 100 points and bitter rivals Manchester United are in the title race, too.
Champions City can cut the Gunners’ lead to five points by beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight.
And Guardiola said: “The advantage of Arsenal and Manchester United right now is nobody has to win the Premier League and be 20 points ahead in November like Man City has to.
"And this is sometimes a big problem. Maybe it’s an advantage for the fact Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League for . . . I don’t know how many years.
"But when you play them, the smell of their history has to be there.”
- Emillia Hawkins
Art Attack
Mikel Arteta will get the opportunity to vent his anger over the refereeing of Arsenal's games during a meeting with PGMOL boss Howard Webb.
The Spaniard was furious when his team were denied two potential penalties during Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
And he will have the opportunity to discuss the "scandalous" decisions during Webb's trip to the Emirates Stadium, according to The Daily Mail.
Webb is set to embark on a tour of all 20 Premier League clubs later this month.
- Emillia Hawkins
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
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