Revealed: Arsenal's surprise Mudryk alternative

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 10 Jan 2023 19:28 GMT
• 3 min read

Mykhailo Mudryk is Arsenal's top transfer target this winter, but the Gunners have an alternative up their sleeve if Shakhtar Donetsk dig their heels in over the "Ukrainian Neymar's" price.

Mudryk came close to joining Arsenal last summer before the move broke down, and has since racked up 10 goals and eight assists in all competitions, including three and two in each column in the Champions League.

But Shakhtar are understandably keen to sell at as high a price as possible, with the club previously suggesting that only offers in the region of €100 million would suffice.

READ: Mudryk drops biggest Arsenal transfer hint yet

While Arsenal could yet sign Mudryk for less, Gunners sporting director Edu has reportedly sent scouts to Germany to watch a potential alternative in Wolfsburg wide man Omar Marmoush.

And Egyptian international teammate of Liverpool's Mo Salah, Marmoush is out of contract at the end of the season and Arsenal could therefore get him for a knockdown price in January.

"I contract negotiations with Omar Marmoush, Wolfsburg are no longer in control," report the Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung. "Keeping the striker is a Herculean task because two economically strong clubs, Dortmund and Gladbach, are competing for the player."

Borussias Dortmund and Monchengladbach may also be in for the player, but neither have Arsenal's financial muscle, and the Gunners could make a move in January rather than compete with other interested parties on contract terms come the summer.

READ: Marmoush's Football Transfers profile

How good is Marmoush?

Marmoush is a versatile attacker who can lead the line or start deeper and from either flank. An exciting player who can still work on his end product, the 23-year-old has averaged two dribbles and three shots per game over the last year.

He enjoyed his most prolific season to date last season, with eight goal contributions in 21 games whilst on loan at VfB Stuttgart. He also has three goals and two assists from his 15 caps with Egypt, with whom he was an Africa Cup of Nations runner-up last year.