Arsenal 'agree deal in principle' for ‘future Ballon d’Or winner’, Arteta will be delighted

Arsenal will make an improved bid for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhailo Mudryk, with the Gunners having already agreed a deal in principle with the winger, according to a fresh report.

On New Year’s Eve Mikel Arteta’s side moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Brighton.

Watching the game from home was Arsenal target Mudryk, who issued another hint that he was keen on a move to the Emirates.

The 21-year-old posted on Instagram that he was watching “2 great coaches” - Arteta and his former Shakhtar boss Roberto Ze Derbi, who is now managing Brighton.

While Mudryk is keen on a move to Arsenal, the Gunners saw their opening £55million bid for the player rejected earlier this week, partly because most of the fee was due to be paid in add-ons.

Arteta’s side reportedly remain in talks with Shakhtar however, who have said publicly that they want close to £85m for the player.

Mudryk agrees Arsenal deal

Mudryk, who De Zerbi has tipped to one day win a Ballon d’Or, has reportedly agreed a deal in principle with Arsenal.

The club will reportedly make a second bid for the player in due course.

Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna said the Ukrainian winger has “agreed a deal in principle to join Arsenal” having spoken to Arteta.

Negotiations are allegedly under way between both clubs regarding a second Arsenal bid, with all parties said to be “confident”.

Arsenal have prioritised signing a forward in the January transfer window in a bid to strengthen their Premier League title challenge.

Their need for another attacker was reinforced by an injury to summer signing Gabriel Jesus, with the striker likely to be out for the foreseeable future.