A stunning Champions League performance by Ukrainian Mykhaylo Mudryk has left Arsenal fans wondering whether they have just missed out on a future star, after the Gunners were linked with a move for the player on Deadline Day.
The 21-year-old was instrumental in Shakhtar Donetsk's thrashing of RB Leipzig on Tuesday (6 September), with him scoring - as well as grabbing a pair of assists - in a 4-1 away win.
On what was a highly emotionally-charged night for the Ukrainian champions, who have been playing in Poland since the outbreak of war in their home country, they returned to European football in some style, putting their German opponents to the sword.
However, those watching the game couldn't help but notice one especially impressive display from the side's tricky winger.
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Mudryk put on a clinic, showing the watching world exactly why he was so sought-after this summer. According to reports, one of the interested clubs was Arsenal, who even plotted a last ditch bid for the player on Deadline Day.
Nothing materialised in the end, leaving the youngster to tear up the Champions League with Shakhtar for another few months at least.
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For some Arsenal fans, the sight of Mudryk in full flight left them wondering what might have been.
"Mudryk is a baller, arsenal missed out a player there," one Twitter user wrote.
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Another added: "Mudryk, by the way. Looked like he could’ve been a serious coup. Electric."
All hope isn't over just yet for Mikel Arteta, as the January window could present another opportunity for Arsenal to swoop in and land the Ukrainian speedster.
Nevertheless, as transfer guru Fabrizio Romano stated on Wednesday, his current club will now seek in excess of €50 million for Mudryk, where Arsenal and Brentford were reportedly offering around €30m just last month.
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His star performances on the big stage will surely hike the price further, especially as Shakhtar aren't exactly a poor club financially.
With the January transfer window not too far away, some Arsenal supporters aren't giving up hope just yet on Mudryk eventually playing his club football at the Emirates.
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A fan on Twitter said: "Mykhailo Mudryk @Arsenal you gotta get him in January."
A second added: "Arsenal have to go back for Mykhaylo Mudryk in January, he’s such a baller."
Suffice to say, his compilation videos have impressed online, with his skill, pace and eye for goal standing out most of all.
Mudryk has also made his debut for the Ukrainian national side, with all five of his caps coming earlier this year.
Will Arsenal live to regret not landing the winger this summer? Let us know what you think.
Topics: Shakhtar Donetsk, Champions League, Arsenal, Ukraine
Tom Fenton