Arsenal have reportedly reached an ‘agreement’ with Mykhaylo Mudryk with the view to signing him from Shakhtar Donetsk this month.

Reports on New Year Day said the winger had agreed a five-year personal deal pending a transfer agreement between the two clubs.

The Gunners have identified Murky as their priority signing this month as they look to strengthen on the flanks. He was linked with Brentford and Everton in the summer but this was before his breakout performances in the Champions League this season.

Shakhtar wanted around £30 million for the winger in the summer but the player’s asking price has rocketed up to £85 ($107 million) ahead of the January transfer window. Arsenal appear serious on signing Mudryk as they submitted a bid for him towards the end of 2022.

The first bid was worth up to £55 ($57 million) and this was swiftly rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk. The deal looks likely to happen, though, as the two clubs remain in talks in an attempt to come to a compromise.

Shakhtar’s hierarchy have spoken openly about recent talks with Arsenal. Earlier this week, CEO Sergei Palkin confirmed that they are “ready to exchange ideas” with interested clubs.

“Negotiations are continuing. We receive offers, but they are not the ones we would like to see on our table. Now, literally in 5 minutes, I will have a phone conversation with Arsenal,” Palkin revealed on Friday, hours before the Gunners played Brighton.

“We are open to negotiations, ready to exchange ideas and figures. If we will agree, then let it be so. If we will not, then let it be another time,” he explained.

Arsenal are in a decent position because Mudryk has made it clear that he wants to join them next. He recently admitted that he could not say no to Arsenal if they made a move to recruit him.

“I think every guy dreams about [playing in the] Premier League,” Mudryk said “Arsenal is a very good team. Very good coach. I like the way they play. From my side, I can’t say no [to Arsenal], but a transfer is not only my decision.”

So, it comes as no surprise that Sport Arena are reporting that Mudryk “has agreed personal terms” ahead of his move to Arsenal. He is understood to have settled on a five-year contract.

The report notes that “negotiations are continuing” between the two clubs with a ‘new and improved proposal’ already ‘prepared’ by Arsenal. The report does not reveal the new fee that will be offered by Arsenal but they are confident that they can sign him for a fee much lower than £85 million.

Arsenal already appear to be in the right ballpark as Ben Jacobs has revealed that Shakthar will ‘entertain’ bids of around £55 million despite publicly stating that they want much more than that.