Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims agents are trying to “offer solutions” to Arsenal after they missed out on Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk to Chelsea.
Mudryk was unveiled as a new Chelsea player on the pitch at half-time in their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday with the Ukraine international signing an eight-and-a-half year deal.
Arsenal had looked like they were leading the race for Mudryk for weeks until it was announced Chelsea had met Shakhtar’s huge demands for the player with reports claiming they offered double the salary that the Gunners were prepared to pay.
There have been a few names linked since the news broke over the weekend that Chelsea had beaten Arsenal to Mudryk with Brighton’s Leandro Trossard and Barcelona duo Raphinha and Ferran Torres emerging as possible targets.
But Romano has poured cold water on the possibility of signing former Leeds United winger Raphinha with the Brazilian hoping to stay at the Camp Nou having only joined in the summer transfer window.
Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Arsenal wanted Mykhaylo Mudryk as a priority, but they feel they did their best by making a huge bid. Arsenal have been clear in the last two years: no bidding wars, respecting the club’s strategy, and no panic as with Dusan Vlahovic, Raphinha, Lisandro Martinez.
“This is their way, and it’s working well for them. Mikel Arteta and Edu have made several superb signings and this team is enjoying an incredible season, now eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
“I’ve never doubted that this Arsenal side can be serious title contenders, and they are now the favourites. I see something special in this squad and I keep saying the same – for sure Manchester City have the better and deeper squad, but Arsenal are incredible, the team is amazing.
“As for signings in attack, this week Arsenal will decide on the strategy after Mudryk.
“There are no concrete talks for any of the players mentioned yet; of course agents and intermediaries are offering solutions, Arsenal will take their time. On Raphinha, I’m told he’d really love to stay at Barcelona as priority – we’ll see if it changes this week.”
On missing out on Mudryk, Mikel Arteta said on Sunday: “We’ve excellent players. We want to improve our squad in this transfer window and I mean myself, the staff, players, the board, and ownership. We’re on it but we will do the deals that we can do and that we believe is right for the club.”
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