Four transfers Arsenal could complete after Mykhaylo Mudryk as Edu 'nears' £88m breakthrough

The potential signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk could signal the start of a busy January transfer window for the Gunners as further incomings and outgoings are considered.

After a relatively quiet start to the January transfer window, it appears clubs are beginning to make their moves. If Mikel Arteta had it his way, he’d probably have one or two players through the door already, but the winter market has and continues to prove why it’s one of the toughest to operate through.

A combination of extortionate fees and clubs unwilling to do business are often the main obstacles which emerge during this month, in particular, with the former very much one Arsenal are dealing with at the moment.

EPLUPDATE understands the Gunners have submitted two bids for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, the first being £55million including add-ons. However, Shakhtar have remained reluctant to soften their stance as they hold out for a fee closer to their valuation of around £88million.

Various reports on Monday claimed that progress was being made between the two clubs as they finally look to find an agreement over the fee and structure of payments. Chelsea had also shown an interest in the Ukrainian international and even held talks with Shakhtar Donetsk director, Darijo Srna, over a possible move.

That scenario now looks increasingly unlikely though, with the Blues closing in on the loan signing of Joao Felix as well as reportedly holding strong interest in Marcus Thuram and Noni Madueke.

So, with Arteta and Edu seemingly close to completing their first bit of business, what else could they look to do over the coming weeks? Prior to Chelsea’s breakthrough with Felix, there had been suggestions that Arsenal wanted him as well as Mudryk, potentially indicating that another forward could be on the radar.

That being said, the return of Emile Smith Rowe following a three-month absence is a very welcome boost to Arsenal’s options going forward and certainly eases the need for more than one attacking reinforcement.

A central midfielder and centre-half are also believed to be on the club’s agenda, but nothing appears close as of right now and a decision could be taken to bring those players in during the summer instead.

EPLUPDATE understands interest in Youri Tielemans has cooled for now, while Arsenal will have to go up against strong competition for reported target Evan Ndicka.

Of course, further additions in those areas cannot be ruled out this month after Arteta reiterated the need to “maximise every window”. If there is an opportunity to bring summer plans forward and acquire a player who makes the team stronger, it will be seriously considered. Despite interest cooling, Tielemans could still be an option after Brendan Rodgers suggested that any Leicester City player who does not want to be at the club should be sold.

Finally, there could be at least two outgoings between now and February 1, with Marquinhos and Cedric the most likely to depart. A loan move for Marquinhos cannot be ruled out should Arteta strengthen his frontline, with the Brazilian unlikely to gain many minutes as a result.