Arsenal in danger of missing out on long-term midfield transfer target

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 7 Jan 2023 22:30 GMT
• 2 min read

Arsenal are hoping to close a deal on their top target this month in Mykhaylo Mudryk but Mikel Arteta is still believed to be keen in strengthening his side’s midfield to boost their title push.

The Gunners are five points clear at the top of the Premier League but Arsenal have had issues with injuries, with Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith-Rowe still sidelined.

Arsenal have also had Mohamed Elneny missing for the majority of the season and, while the Egyptian recently made his return to the first team, the club have been monitoring midfield options, with Palmeiras’ Danilo still highly rated by the club.

PROFILE: Find out everything about Danilo, Brazil's latest midfield wonderkid

The Gunners had an £20 million offer rejected for the 21-year-old in the summer and they were considering a January move for him but there are some doubts at the club over his ability to provide an instant impact to Arsenal’s championship bid.

However, GOAL Brazil have reported that Palmeiras have received an offer from an unnamed club for Danilo, with Atletico Madrid and Monaco believed to be among the suitors with Arsenal.

While the fee for Danilo has not been revealed, Palmeiras are believed to be considering the offer and would consider selling their star man for the right price, meaning Arsenal could lose out on a long-term target this month.

Mudryk still the aim for Arsenal

Bringing in Mudryk to replace their injured forwards is still believed to be the priority for Arsenal but negotiations with Shakhtar over a fee for the 21-year-old is proving to be difficult.

The Ukrainian side are believed to be holding out for a fee of around £86m, while Arsenal’s last bids of £55m and £62m have been rejected, prompting rivals Chelsea to register their interest in the forward.

Mudryk is still believed to favour a move to the Emirates, having made his desires clear on social media, but the optimism surrounding a deal for Arsenal has faded in recent times, with Chelsea more likely to submit a higher bid to Shakhtar.

#FREEMUDRYK: Arsenal target reveals transfer wishes on Instagram

However, with plenty of time remaining in the transfer window, negotiations are still set to continue between the clubs, with Mudryk pushing for an exit this winter.