MERCATO – PREMIER LEAGUE – To be champion, Arsenal has a plan: Joao Felix and Mudryk

If there was only one lesson to be learned from Arsenal’s very poor draw against Newcastle (0-0), it is that in the absence of Gabriel Jesus, and facing a devilishly well-armed team to defend, the Gunners tend to fight in a vacuum. Mikel Arteta knows he is at a pivotal moment. His team has reigned over the Premier League since the start of the season. Fighting for the title hadn’t happened to the Londoners for six years and today it’s worth doing everything to keep the five-point lead. A tiny mattress as soon as we consider the identity of the pursuer, the formidable Manchester City.

Therefore, for Arteta, Arsenal must seize this transfer window to put the odds on his side, even if it means insisting and spending more than necessary. It will be understood, the Spanish technician first wants to strengthen himself in front, whatever the cost or almost. He is considering two options, according to the English press and it will not be one or the other but the two combined: a paying loan, while waiting for better, from Joao Felix, and Mykhaylo Mudryk, the Shakhtar Donetsk winger.

100 million for Mudryk?

Arsenal have already been turned down twice in the Mudryk case, but Arteta’s insistence is fueling the Gunners’ stubbornness to make a third offer of over €60m. But the Shaktar plays on velvet. Firstly because he is aware of the need for Arsenal to strengthen at this time of the season. Then, and above all, because Chelsea and its new American owner are upping the ante.

This is what pushes the Ukrainians, encouraged by the insane amount spent by Manchester United for Antony (100 million euros), to raise their demands around this same symbolic bar of 100 million euros for the young 22-year-old jewel, author of three goals and two assists in the group stage of the Champions League. Will Arsenal be able to satisfy Shakhtar’s desires? Cooled by the failures of his previous resounding transfers (Nicolas Pépé for 88 million), the Premier League leaders hesitate.

Easier for Joao Felix?

The other target may be easier to hit despite an even superior pedigree. But Joao Felix is ​​in a situation of failure and wants a new challenge. This is pretty good since Atlético Madrid also wants to get rid of it to get in line with financial fair play. The case is not yet in the bag for Arsenal since competition from Manchester United, among others, will again push the Gunners to inflate their offer.

The Telegraph announces that Arsenal will make a loan offer paying up to 15 million euros with salary coverage of up to five million. Atlético would like to attach the loan to an automatic transfer clause, the amount of which has not been disclosed. If Joao Felix arrives in London, he will not go on the bench, not at this price. Therefore, in an eleven that already has Martinelli and Saka, how to integrate it without jeopardizing the balance of a team that is running well? The equation is difficult to solve. But Arteta is confident and determined as ever.