Sky Sports reporter claims Arsenal could 'walk away' from Mudryk talks

Arsenal are prepared to walk away from a deal for Mykhailo Mudryk, according to a Sky Sports journalist.

The Gunners have identified the Ukrainian as their top transfer target in January, having already seen two bids worth up to £62million rebuffed for the winger this month.

Yesterday the Premier League table toppers submitted a third bid for the player, believed to be £62million plus add-ons that would take the overall deal to around £70million.

The Gunners are said to be awaiting a response from Shakhtar Donetsk, though it is uncertain whether the Ukrainian club would accept the improved offer.

Indeed Shakhtar publicly stated last month that they would accept a bid in the region of £88million for Mudryk, citing the eye-watering fees paid by English clubs for Antony and Jack Grealish as justification for such a price tag.

Arsenal could “walk away”

Mikel Arteta’s side could give up in their attempts to sign Mudryk if ​​Shakhtar hold out for a transfer fee or structure that doesn’t fit their budget, according to a Sky Sports transfer guru.

Journalist ​​Dharmesh Sheth claimed on Twitter: “Arsenal prepared to go closer to Shakhtar valuation for Mudryk but will walk away if deal doesn't fit budget.

“Shakhtar not budging on price. Talks ongoing over structure.”

Arsenal have reportedly been pursuing Mudryk since the summer, while their need for a new forward was sharpened by the injury sustained to £45million summer signing Gabriel Jesus at the World Cup.

Mudryk contingency plan

While the 22-year-old has expressed a desire to join the north London club, it is uncertain whether an agreement will have been finalised by February.

Indeed, earlier this week Arsenal’s CEO Vinai Venkatesham claimed the club were prepared should the Mudryk transfer fall through.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Venkatesham explained: "We’ve got a very clear plan, headed up by Edu, in terms of what we want to do to strengthen the squad.

"Every transfer window of course, we’re going to look to see what opportunities are out there.

"If something makes sense from a technical perspective and a financial perspective, of course, we’ll look at it but we’re happy with the squad that we’ve got.

"We’ll have a look around like we do in every transfer window, but we’ve got a long-term plan to continue to strengthen the team.”