Anton Toloui believes that Arsenal are edging closer to sealing a deal for Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Lowdown: Gunners still keen on Mudryk
Arsenal have long been linked with Mudryk and the Ukrainian winger has not hidden the fact he would be keen to make the move to the Emirates Stadium after some interesting Instagram posts.
However, the Gunners are no longer the only club looking to step up talks, with Chelsea now reportedly set to hold talks with Shakhtar Donetsk in the coming days.
Following Arsenal's 0-0 draw against Newcastle United - the first time they've failed to net in the league this season - Mikel Arteta will likely be very eager to add more attacking options for the second half of the season.
The Latest: Arsenal close to agreeing a deal
Speaking live on Sky Sports, Toloui was asked on Wednesday morning how close are Arsenal to agreeing a deal to sign Mudryk and he delivered an exciting update.
He said: "Getting close. I wouldn't necessarily say it's there yet by any stretch of the imagination.
"We know Shakhtar want around £85m for the 21-year-old, so obviously a lot of money; one source close to the deal telling us Arsenal are prepared to get a bit closer to that deal, so clearly the two sides are in negotiations."
The Verdict: Edu must secure the signing
Considering how long Mudryk and Arsenal have been linked with each other, it would be insane for them to not only miss out on the signing, but also see him join a Premier League rival in Chelsea.
Therefore, Edu and Arsenal may well have to swallow some of their pride and pay slightly over the odds for someone who's only ever played domestic football in Ukraine and hope he can translate that form over into English football, which could be likely given how well he's performed in the Champions League this term.
Last night against Newcastle, Arteta made just one defensive-minded change, and that may be seen as a message to the board that he is in need of attacking reinforcements, or they could struggle against other in-form sides this season.