Mudryk transfer puts FIVE Arsenal stars under threat

Suraj Radia

• 28 Nov 2022 15:46 GMT
• 2 min read

Arsenal are hoping to pull off the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk in January but the Shakhtar forward’s price tag could result in a host of players leaving the Emirates permanently.

The Gunners are keen on bringing in Mudryk having failed to sign him during the summer, with Shakhtar previously holding out for around £86 million for the 21-year-old.

However, the Ukrainian side are believed to have lowered their asking price to £40m plus add-ons in order to facilitate a move for Mudryk, who is keen to leave after a bright start to the season.

READ MORE: Arsenal handed transfer boost as Shakhtar lower Mudryk asking price

Newcastle and Juventus are among the clubs said to be interested in the player dubbed as the ‘Ukrainian Neymar’, but Mudryk is understood to be desperate for a move to Arsenal in order to link up with fellow countryman Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Arsenal are thought to already have the framework of a deal in place with Shakhtar ahead of the transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to boost his side’s title credentials.

Should Mudryk arrive in North London this winter, his signature could pave the way for a number of exits at Arsenal due to a lack of game time for fringe players and to raise funds.

Which players could leave Arsenal if Mudryk joins?

The Express report that five players in particular will be heading for the exit, beginning with record signing Nicolas Pepe, who is currently on loan at Nice.

The 27-year-old was a disastrous £72m signing in 2019 but he is entering the final 18 months of his contract and his loan could be cut short in the hopes of securing a permanent exit and getting his large salary off the books.

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Despite being highly-rated by Arsenal, 22-year-old Reiss Nelson could be cashed in on, having played just 64 minutes of league football this season and approaching the last six months of his contract.

Another academy graduate with his deal expiring in the summer is Ainsley Maitland-Niles and the 25-year-old, who is currently on loan at Southampton, is not part of Arteta’s long-term plans and will likely be moved on.

Cedric Soares could also leave after he fell down the pecking order at right-back this season and Fulham are believed to have the strongest interest in the 31-year-old, whose deal expires in 2024.

Arsenal are also in the market for a central midfielder which could see Albert Sambi Lokonga leave in search of first-team football, having made just 14 Premier League starts since his £17m transfer last summer as Arteta prepares his squad for the second half of the season.