"They want..." - Ornstein outlines Arsenal's January transfer plans with update on two key targets

David Ornstein outlined Arsenal’s January plans, detailing that the club had two primary targets.

It has been widely reported that Arsenal have made Mykhailo Mudryk their main transfer target, with the club having already had two bids for the Ukrainian rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Gunners saw a £55million bid rejected for the 21-year-old last week, while a new £62million offer is also expected to be rebuffed. Shakhtar have publicly stated they want an eye-watering £88million for the winger.

Arsenal reportedly face competition from Chelsea, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano having claimed that Shakhtar director Darijo Srna is meeting with Chelsea chiefs in London this week.

Meanwhile, another player linked with Arsenal has been Joao Felix. The Portugal star has fallen out of favour at Atletico Madrid after a breakdown of his relationship with manager Diego Simeone.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea, with a loan move believed to be the most likely option.

Ornstein on Arsenal’s pursuit of Mudryk and Felix

Ornstein gave an update on Arsenal’s two primary transfer targets - Mudryk and Felix.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the Gunners’ 0-0 draw with Newcastle, Ornstein said: “I think what [the result] reiterates is that they will look to do some business in the January market.

“They need, or they want, a couple of players. It’s been quite well-documented now.

“Mudryk - Chelsea are [also] monitoring the situation, I don’t know if they will beat Arsenal to it - let’s see.

“And then Joao Felix as well, they would like to sign on loan. They are not the only contenders for him. Manchester United are keen and none of the interested parties are prepared to pay the money that Atletico want at the moment.

“So we’ll see. But Arsenal didn’t have a lot on the bench that they could bring on to reinforce their side tonight, which is something they’re well aware of.

“That’s why they’re trying to make moves, backed by the Kroenke family to kick on in this push for the final six months of the season.”

Topics: Football, Arsenal, Joao Felix, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Transfers

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.