Watch: David Ornstein breaks down Arsenal’s January plans, Mudryk, Felix…
David Ornstein has broken down Arsenal’s transfer plans for the upcoming January transfer window – mentioning Mykhaylo Mudryk and Joao Felix as their top targets.
The Athletic’s football correspondent, dating back to his time at the BBC, has long established a reputation as a trusted authority on all things transfer-related, particularly with Arsenal.
Appearing on NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage, Ornstein responded to a question about what lies in store for Mikel Arteta’s Gunners in the month ahead. Arsenal go into the new year as Premier League leaders and the mid-season winter transfer window could prove pivotal when it comes to their title charge.
“They’ve got one main target at Arsenal – that’s Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk,” began the reporter.
“They are also keen to sign Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid. He’s been offered to a number of clubs, and at the moment the numbers are too high. Manchester United, Chelsea, many others.
“Jorge Mendes, his agent, knows he needs to move. Because he’s out of favour at Atletico Madrid. Arsenal are keen, but the numbers would need to come down for that to happen. I think, probably they will. It would only be a six-month loan, and that would be very expensive, but he is a high-quality player.
“On Mudryk, Arsenal have had an offer rejected. An opening bid of €40million I think, plus €25million in add-ons. So taking it to €65million in total. Shakhtar want €100million for him. My sense is, from speaking to people in the industry, that they will come down on the price they’re asking and that a compromise will be reached.
“Arsenal know that they need to kick on in the transfer market if they are to push on for the Premier League title, and of course a top-four finish if they don’t win that title. The Kroenkes, the ownership, are backing them to go and get that title so let’s see what they do in the market.”
Since Ornstein spoke on Wednesday evening, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that talks remain ongoing between Arsenal and Shakhtar for Mudryk’s signature.
Meanwhile, Felix started and scored in Atletico Madrid’s 2-0 La Liga victory over Elche on Thursday evening.
Manchester United are also said to be interested in the Portugal international, who has struggled to get into Diego Simeone’s favoured Atletico XI this season.
The 23-year-old originally joined Atletico back in 2019, while his €126million fee was the fourth most expensive in the history of football. He remains contracted in the Spanish capital until 2026, meaning it won’t be cheap to secure his signature.
Here is the full David Ornstein clip about Arsenalpic.twitter.com/wJSbYmRULG
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) December 28, 2022
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