Arsenal are strong contenders to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in January, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Mudryk wants to join Arsenal

Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier in the summer that the Gunners had been in contact with the 21-year-old’s agent regarding a potential move, but a deal failed to materialise before the deadline.

The forward recently admitted in an interview with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs that he would be open to joining Mikel Arteta’s side to achieve his dream of playing in the Premier League.

The Latest: Arsenal's new status

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones insisted that Mudryk’s confession is a ‘promising’ sign for Arsenal, who are now able to attract big-name players. He said:

“It’s definitely promising, not just even in terms of this signing, but I think in general terms. If you go back a year, Arsenal just weren’t sure what type of player they could attract anymore.

“Now, as soon as they’ve got back in that conversation of being in Europe, as soon as they’ve had a good start to the season in the Premier League, everyone’s suddenly open about the idea of joining them again. And this is where they’ve managed to propel themselves in terms of status.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Arteta made it a priority to find a new winger towards the end of the summer window having let Nicolas Pepe join Nice on a season-long loan, and Mudryk could still be the perfect replacement.

The Ukrainian, previously likened to a new Neymar by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has already recorded four goal contributions in the same number of games this season, carrying on his impressive form from last campaign, when he provided seven assists and netted two goals in 11 Premier Liga appearances (Transfermarkt).

This is no doubt a deal that would suit both parties and one that Edu and the Gunners should look at trying to get over the line as quickly as possible in January.