CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs claims that Arsenal can sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk for much lower than his reported asking price.

The Lowdown: €100m asking price

As per The Athletic, the Emirates Stadium outfit have identified Mudryk as their top target in the January transfer window, and there is an understanding that they can negotiate on the €100m (£87.7m) price tag placed on him by his club.

The Ukraine international is thought to be determined to join the North London club, despite gaining interest from various other teams, and they have held talks with his representatives and current employers over a potential move.

The Latest: Much cheaper fee

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs has claimed that Mikel Arteta's side can sign Mudryk for as little as €60-65m (£52.6-57m) if they get their way, much lower than the original asking price:

“They’ve never had a history of paying above the odds and they’ve never had a history of panic buying, so it’s now about whether they can agree a fee with Shakhtar.

“Sources are saying privately that fee will be €60-65million if Arsenal get their way at the top end. Arsenal’s starting point will be even lower than that as well and the way forward, as ever with these kinds of deals, will be around the structure.

“Arsenal are definitely not going to put down anywhere close to €100million, but what they might do is put down €50-60million with some gettable add-ons and even potentially a sell-on percentage to Shakhtar should they eventually let him go elsewhere.”

The Verdict: Get it done

It will be pleasing for Gunners supporters to hear that Mudryk can be signed for a much cheaper fee, considering that they paid a club-record £72m for Nicolas Pepe back in 2019.

It has simply not worked out for the Ivorian, who after just three seasons at Arsenal, has been shipped out on loan to Nice in Ligue 1 this term.

That is the risk you take when you sign an exciting talent from an inferior league for such a huge fee, and unfortunately this one did not work out.

However, Mudryk has the potential to be very different, as he is much younger at 21 years of age, and has managed ten goals and eight assists in 18 matches in total in all competitions so far this campaign, including five goal contributions in the coveted UEFA Champions League (Transfermarkt).

If the Gunners can sign him for closer to £50m then £90m, then it could turn out to be a real bargain in the future.