Hello and welcome to today’s Arsenal live blog on Tuesday, December 27.
The Gunners made their return to the Premier League after six weeks without action and recorded a huge win against fellow London side West Ham United. Goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah saw the side fight from 1-0 down to record a 3-1 win that moved them seven points clear at the top of the table.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are now one game closer to reaching the January transfer window, where Mikel Arteta could have the chance to reinforce his squad. Players such as Mykhaylo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Youri Tielemans have all been linked with joining the club amid their title charge.
Mudryk bid explained
press hub reported yesterday that an official bid had been made to Shakhtar prior to Arsenal’s 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham. It is thought that the offer is in the region of £ 55 million including add-ons.
With Mudryk thought to be pushing for the move, the Gunners face a tough spell of negotiations with Shakhtar next month. The £ 55 million offer falls short of the £ 80 million asking price of the Ukrainian side meaning an increase to both the initial fee and add-ons may be required to convince Shakhtar.
Previously, Shakhtar’s chief executive Sergei Palkin revealed his uncertainty over whether Mudryk would leave in January. He said: “To be honest, I do not know. At the moment, we are quite far from what we want and what clubs propose.
Felix agent talk
Jorge Mendes, Joao Felix’s agent, has reportedly held talks with Arsenal and Manchester United over a possible move.
The Gunners were keen on signing the 23-year-old earlier this year as reported by football. London, but they opted to pursue a deal for Gabriel Jesus instead.
Atletico want between €130-140million (£114-123million) for Felix, according to
Relevo. An alternative option for his departure in January is a loan deal including an obligation-to-buy clause that would see him leave permanently in the summer.
Arteta speaks on Mudryk bid
Following his side’s 3-1 win over West Ham yesterday, Arteta was asked about the Gunners’ bid for Mudryk. The Spaniard said: “You know that I never speak about players who are not with us. I understand that you have to ask me the question.
“We said that we will try and find ways to strengthen the team [if] we find the right players and that’s what I can say.”
Asked about Mudryk’s social media post showing he was watching the game, Arteta added: “The good thing in England is that you don’t have many other matches in other countries at Christmas so hopefully a lot of people watched our game and we gave them a good show.”
Rice believes Arsenal are title contender
Hammers captain Declan Rice may have been on the wrong side of the result last night but he knows just how difficult of a team the Gunners have become as he made a huge Premier League title claim. Speaking to the media following the defeat to Arsenal, Rice said: “100% (Arsenal are title contenders).
“I think they’re a top team, you can see they’re coached incredibly well, the attacking talent, it’s a young squad, they could go the whole way for sure. They’re a good team.
“We tried to stop their first half but it’s really hard. In the end, we come up short and it’s frustrating.”
Rice believes Arsenal are a title contender
Hammers captain Declan Rice may have been on the wrong side of the result last night but he knows just how difficult of a team the Gunners have become as he made a huge Premier League title claim. Speaking to the media following the defeat to Arsenal, Rice said: “100% (Arsenal are title contenders).
“I think they’re a top team, you can see they’re coached incredibly well, the attacking talent, it’s a young squad, they could go the whole way for sure. They’re a good team.
“We tried to stop their first half but it’s really hard. In the end, we come up short and it’s frustrating.”
Mudryk stance
Arsenal transfer target Mykhaylo Mudryk has claimed he “can’t say no” to a move to the Emirates Stadium amid the Gunners’ opening bid for the forward.
In an interview with CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, the 21-year-old reiterated the difficulty at saying no to the Gunners. “Now, I’m in Shakhtar and I want to play in this team. I love this team. I love every guy in this team. Shakhtar for me is my home. But now, for me, it’s very important, all my thoughts are only about Shakhtar. But, in the winter, we will see.”
Mudryk was asked about his stance on the Premier League and Arsenal. “Every guy dreams about the Premier League,” he continued. “Arsenal is a very good team. A very good coach. I like the way they play. From my side, I can’t say no.”
Joao Felix talks
Arsenal has been linked with a switch for Atletico Madrid striker Joao Felix in January, with talks being held with agent Jorge Mendes.
