Arsenal ‘optimistic’ about big-money transfer and take ‘pole position’ in midfielder race

Arsenal are now back in Premier League action, and they returned with a bang.

The Gunners went behind against West Ham United on Boxing Day, but they came back and then some, winning 3-1 even without star striker Gabriel Jesus, who is out for at least two months. Arsenal have maintained their commanding lead at the top of the table, and they will be looking to maintain their momentum heading into a New Year’s Eve clash with Brighton on the south coast.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news and rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

Mudryk latest

Arsenal are said to be ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk.

According to Sky Sports, talks continue with Shakhtar Donetsk after the Gunners’ first bid to land the winger, which reportedly came up short. Arsenal are said to be encouraged by the player’s desire to join the club, but there remains some way to go as they look to strike a deal with the club.

It’s claimed Arsenal’s opening bid was worth £55million, but Shakhtar rejected that offer, hoping to get more for their star winger. The Gunners’ limits will now be tested as they look to add depth and competition out wide.

Milinkovic-Savic boost

Arsenal are said to be in ‘pole position’ to land Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The Serie A star has been regularly linked with a move to the Premier League, and he is once again being tipped to make the move ahead of the January transfer window. According to Corriere dello Sport,

Lazio could sell at some point in the near future to avoid allowing the midfielder to go into the final year of his contract, which expires in 2024. But according to the report, Arsenal have shown an interest, and they are leading the race to pull off a deal as they seek a defensive midfielder.