'As things stand' - Romano issues huge update on Arsenal's Mudryk talks

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Arsenal have placed a new bid for priority target Mykhailo Mudryk.

The Gunners are desperately attempting to ensure that Mudryk becomes an Arsenal player by the end of the January transfer window, having already seen two bids rejected for the player.

The second bid was believed to be a £62 million fee, which fell short of the £88 million that Shakhtar director Darijo Srna stressed the club must receive in an interview with The Athletic.

Mudryk has dropped a number of hints that he would like to join Arsenal in January, including screenshots of him watching Gunners games on more than one occasion.

The Ukrainian returned to Shakhtar training earlier this week, with the Ukrainian Premier League's winter break about to conclude.

Whether he will still be a Shakhtar player when the league resumes in February, however, remains to be seen - and Arsenal are now continuing to push for a move.

Romano confirms new Arsenal bid

Taking to Twitter, Romano reported: "Arsenal have submitted a new bid for Mykhailo Mudryk in the last few hours.

"Parties are now getting closer, no breakthrough yet. Talks ongoing with Shakhtar Donetsk.

"Arsenal are still leading the race - no official bid from Chelsea, as things stand."

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Ukrainian, as Graham Potter looks to bolster his attack following injury to Armando Broja and a further lack of options up front.

The Blues have partially solved this problem with the signing of Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid, but may see Mudryk as another piece in the puzzle.

For now, though, Arsenal are in pole position to complete the signing of the 22-year-old - and supporters will desperate hope that their latest bid is enough to convince Shakhtar to sell their prized asset in January.