Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has remained tight-lipped on the prospect of his side signing Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Mykhaylo Mudryk this month.
The Gunners have been locked in talks with the Ukrainian giants over a move for the 21-year-old for several weeks and are believed to be making progress in their efforts to wrap up a January deal.
Arsenal have reportedly seen bids of £55m and £62m rejected for Mudryk, who is keen to make the switch to the Emirates and has dropped several hints of his intentions on social media.
Shakhtar have publicly stated that they are after a fee of €100m (£88.8m) to sanction the Ukraine international's sale, but Arsenal are attempting to get a deal done closer to the €70m (£62m) mark.
Following the latest round of talks between the two clubs, Arsenal are said to be increasingly optimistic about their chances of sealing a January transfer, having already agreed personal terms with Mudryk.
© Reuters
Arteta addressed the media on Friday afternoon ahead of Sunday's North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, and he was inevitably questioned on Arsenal's pursuit of Mudryk.
When asked if he follows Mudryk on Instagram and has been viewing his hints on a move to Arsenal, Arteta chuckled before responding: "We cannot talk about any other players.
"There are some interests in what we'd like to do to improve the team because we're short in certain areas. We're trying to improve in every window."
Mudryk, who has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in 18 matches for Shakhtar this season, could arrive at the Emirates as cover for the injured Gabriel Jesus and Reiss Nelson.
The former's knee problem, which he sustained during the World Cup, is expected to keep him out until March, while Nelson's thigh issue could take another few weeks to heal.
© Reuters
While Jesus is still some way away from returning to competitive action, Arteta has been left encouraged by what he has seen from the Brazilian in his recovery, adding: "He's in the right place in terms of the time we set for him, but he's still a bit far. I'd like to see him very quickly, but I don't think it's gonna happen. Let's see."
The Gunners boss also confirmed that Bukayo Saka would be fit for the derby after suffering an injury scare against Oxford United in the FA Cup, where Arsenal were hit with a second FA charge in two games after appealing for a penalty.
Referee David Coote was surrounded by a few Arsenal players after Albert Sambi Lokonga's shot hit the arm of Elliott Moore, although the official decided against awarding a penalty.
Arteta's side launched similar protests when Granit Xhaka's cross hit the arm of Jacob Murphy inside the area against Newcastle United last week, and they now have to answer two charges of failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly manner.
However, Arteta was in no mood to discuss the charges, saying: "I prefer not to comment. Anything we can do to improve, we always have conversations with our players and with our staff to see what we can do better and if we have to improve our behaviour."
Arsenal sit five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, but their lead could be cut down to two if the champions overcome Manchester United in Saturday's Manchester derby.
Ben Knapton
