Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes target Mykhaylo Mudryk can be “one of the best”, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs. 

The Lowdown: Sensational rise

Mudryk's first three campaigns in the Ukrainian Premier League saw him register a tally of zero direct goal involvements. He mustered zero goals and zero assists from 26 games in Ukraine’s top-flight - not the kind of returns you’d expect from a now £87million player.

But, in fairness, his returns have risen as rapidly as his valuation.

Eight contributions in the form of two goals and six assists came from 11 appearances for Shakhtar in the 21/22 season, with the number-10-wearing star translating that momentum into this campaign.

Mudryk currently sits on a total of 14 attacking returns in the league in the form of seven goals and seven assists from just 12 Ukrainian Premier League games.

To top off his sensational rise, the starlet boasts three goals and two assists in the Champions League, proving he is not just a flash in the pan from a lower-ranked domestic competition.

The Latest: Arteta’s thoughts

Jacobs of CBS has shared some insight on the Gunners' interest, revealing Arteta's thinking behind the scenes, with the gaffer allegedly plotting to turn Mudryk into a jack-of-all-trades.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said:  “Arteta feels that he can be developed into a more versatile player.

“At the moment he’s lightning quick, he’s got a good eye for goal, he weighs in with assists, he makes the pitch as big as possible, he starts on the left-hand side and he cuts in.

“I think Mikel Arteta thinks that he can spend more time during games in central areas and, even under select game management situations, switch sides as well.

“As he adds those strings to his bow, he could live up to his reputation as one of the best players in that position.

“So, it’s one to watch from Arsenal’s point of view.”

The Verdict: Potential Masterclass?

You get the impression that Arteta could offer Mudryk the necessary platform and development needed to become a genuine world-class star within the world footballing landscape.

And a move for the 21-year-old could be somewhat of a masterclass for both parties. The Gunners have a pretty nailed on trio behind the striker in Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, so if Mudryk can indeed play all three roles, he could offer a quality option to rest and rotate all three rising stars.