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Arsenal could finalise a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk by the end of the week, it has been claimed.
Arsenal have been locked in intense negotiations with Shakhtar for the highly-rated Ukraine international, who has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions this season.
Shakhtar Donetsk director of football Darijo Srna had previously warned Arsenal that it would take a huge transfer fee – comparable to the £100m figure Manchester City spent on Jack Grealish – to sign Mudryk.
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However, behind closed doors Shakhtar's asking price is believed to be significantly lower.
According to Football Insider, the Ukrainian club are seeking more than £60m for Mudryk.
Arsenal have submitted a formal offer worth more than £45m after Mikel Arteta gave the "green light" to sign the winger.
Arsenal's offer also includes bonuses and add-ons based but falls short of the Shakhtar's asking price.
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While Mudryk is under contract with Shakhtar until 2026, the Ukrainian club have accepted they will have to sell their star player.
Arsenal are said to be "in the driving seat to complete a deal" and are pushing to finalise it "by the end of the week".
Mudryk drops more Arsenal transfer hints
Mudryk is keen to join Arsenal and has dropped a number of hints that he is ready to move to the Emirates.
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Having previously praised the team's style of play under Arteta, Mudryk told CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs that he wouldn't be able to turn the club down if they came calling.
"In the winter we will see [regarding future]. There was a lot of discussion about the transfer, about the clubs who want me. But it's normal,” said Mudryk.
"Now, I'm at Shakhtar and I want to play in this team. I love this team. I love every guy in this team. Shakhtar is now my home, but for me it's very important that all my thoughts are only about Shakhtar.
"I think every guy dreams about the Premier League."
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Asked about Arsenal in particular, he added: "Yes, from my side I can't say no [to Arsenal]."
Mudryk was also spotted in Dubai earlier this month at the same time as the Gunners squad during the recent winter break.
Meanwhile, on Monday night, he posted a video of himself watching Arsenal's Premier League game against West Ham to his Instagram account shortly before posting another cryptic story.
Arsenal fans will hope the club is able to complete the deal for Mudryk before the transfer window officially opens on January 1.
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Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Arsenal, Premier League, Shakhtar Donetsk, Transfers