'Clubs will use this...' - Journalist explains how key Arsenal transfer decision could cost them targets in January

Arsenal's pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk this January could have financial implications for Mikel Arteta, one journalist has suggested.

The Gunners missed out on signing the Ukrainian international after Chelsea swooped in at the last second.

The 22-year-old looked set to play at the Emirates following a series of hints on social media that he wanted to join the North London side.

But in the end, it came down to money, with the Blues offering 'better bonuses' and a hefty salary to tie down Mudryk to an eight-and-a-half-year contract, report The Athletic.

The Blues are said to have paid a total of £87million for Mudryk's services, but journalist Ben Jacobs claims that the money offered by Arsenal could damage their future transfer plans.

Mudryk valuation to be used as "yardstick"

Mikel Arteta is thought to have turned his attention to Barcelona winger Raphinha as a potential alternative to Mudryk.

However, Jacobs has suggested that the club would have to splash even more money on the Brazilian than Chelsea did on Mudryk.

Jacobs tweeted: "Barcelona would also expect a fee surpassing [the deal that Chelsea agreed for Mudryk]. Lots of clubs will use this as a valuation yardstick in deals.

“Arsenal have always liked Raphinha, but last summer they didn’t want to go too far above €50m (£44m).

“Arsenal are exploring multiple options, and their admiration of Raphinha is no secret, but the Brazilian is intent on staying at the Camp Nou.”

Former Arsenal legend Paul Merson has warned the Gunners against signing Raphinha, believing that by paying huge sums of money and wages, Arteta could "rock the boat" at Arsenal.

The league leaders have also been linked with Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby. However, journalist Manuel Veth believes Diaby's price tag will be the same as Mudryk's, following the financial benchmark set by Chelsea.

Topics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Mykhailo Mudryk, Raphinha, Chelsea, Premier League, Football, Transfers

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno