"Sources say..." - Ornstein drops major Mudryk update

Arsenal's number one target in the January window remains Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, transfer expert David Ornstein has confirmed.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with an approach for Mudryk next month, after opening initial talks with Shakhtar during the summer transfer window.

Mudryk has attracted interest from some of European football's top clubs after impressing for Shakhtar this season, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in 18 games for his club.

The 21-year-old Ukraine international has previously spoken of his admiration for Arsenal and is reportedly keen to move to the Emirates.

Ornstein reveals Shakhtar's asking price for Mudryk

Writing in his transfer column for The Athletic, Ornstein claims there is a strong possibility that Arsenal will sign Mudryk and outlined the potential price the Gunners would need to pay to secure the winger's signature.

"Their priority target is Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk and sources with knowledge of the matter think there is a good chance it will happen, though nothing is agreed at present," wrote Ornstein.

"Shakhtar have stated their value for the highly-coveted Ukraine international as €100million (£85.9m, $105.3m) – but interested parties are of the understanding that a lower fee would be deemed acceptable."

Ornstein added that Mudryk is keen to move to the Premier League and "determined to make the Emirates his destination".

Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the league but may need to sign reinforcements in January, with striker Gabriel Jesus set to be out for up to three months after undergoing knee surgery.

Mudryk: Valuation 'wounded' my dream

Shakhtar's sporting director Darijo Srna claimed earlier this month that Mudryk must command a fee similar to the £82m Manchester United paid to sign Antony from Ajax in the summer.

Mudryk fears that valuation could price him out of his dream move to the Premier League.

"When I found out about my price, I wasn't just surprised. I was shocked," he told Sport Arena.

"I have a long-term contract with Shakhtar [set to expire in December 2026], I give all my strength and energy so that Shakhtar achieves maximum results… but every football player has a dream to play in a top club and in a top championship – I am no exception.

"But I am 100 per cent sure that they are unlikely to buy a player from the championship of Ukraine for 100 million [euros]… I will not hide that I was very upset.

"The amount of 100 million puts a barrier for my transition to the top championship, which I so dreamed of. I can't say that my dream was killed, but wounded – that’s for sure."