ARSENAL could see themselves having to pay up to £57million for Shakhtar winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, who's been dubbed the 'Ukrainian Messi'.
The Gunners were linked with the starlet in the summer and could revisit signing him in 2023, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says his price could rise from around £45m to nearly £60m.
Elsewhere, Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka missed out on this year's Kopa Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Paris.
The talented youngster came in 8th place while Barcelona wonderkid Gavi took the prize home.
Mikel Arteta is still reportedly intent on the signing of Manuel Locatelli, who Arsenal are said to be targeting for January.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates…
- Matt Penn
PSV preparations
Arsenal were due to play Manchester City tonight in the Premier League but the game is postponed.
The Gunners and City are flying high at the summit of the table and football fans are hotly anticipating their first meeting of the season.
But Arsenal will take on PSV on Thursday in a Europa League game instead.
Arsenal vs PSV was originally postponed after The Queen's passing last month, so the game has been rescheduled for this week.
- Dylan Terry
Good morning Arsenal fans
Chelsea could launch a shock bid for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka just as Liverpool's hopes of landing the winger start to fade.
The Gunners, however, remain confident of tying Saka, 21, to a new and lucrative contract.
But CBS Sports' Ben Jacobs reports the Blues' owner Todd Boehly regards the England international as an ideal recruit for Graham Potter's young squad.
The West Londoners' main hope would surely be to dangle a significant contract for a player tipped to be one of England's main men at the World Cup.
This comes as reported interest from Liverpool and Manchester City has dipped.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are looking to offer goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale a new contract.
That is according to the Athletic, who report that Ramsdale could soon be in line for a new deal at the Emirates.
That is after star team-mates Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have renewed.
The England international has put together a series of stunning performances with the Gunners and his contract runs out in 2025.
And Shakhtar Donetsk have raised Mykhaylo Mudryk's asking price amid Arsenal's interest.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Shakhtar could demand as much as €65million (£57m).
Romano said: "Shakhtar Donetsk wanted around €50m for him in August, probably €40m plus add-ons were enough.
"Today, I'm sure they want way more than €50m for their star, it could probably be as high as €60-65m.”
Finally, Arsenal ace Albert Sambi Lokonga revealed he almost quit both the Gunners and Belgium due to a lack of game time earlier this year.
Lokonga, 22, joined the Gunners from Anderlecht for £18m last year but has only started getting regular games this season.
The midfielder admitted not getting much of a look in at the Emirates initially made him wonder if joining them “was a good idea”.
And it sounds like the 22-year-old remains angry with Belgium boss Roberto Martinez for repeatedly leaving him on their bench.
Lokonga told La Derniere Heure: “I called him the day after the international match in March. I was really p****d off.
“I thought for a moment that I didn’t even want to play for the national team anymore. I was disgusted.
“Martinez said he preferred players who are playing regularly at their club. He was also not completely satisfied with my training.”
- Kostas Lianos
Gabriel's 'best period'
Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes said he is experiencing "one of the best periods" of his life.
Gabriel told the club's official website: "I think it's one of the best periods of my life at the moment.
"I'm learning more about life every day with everything that's happening to me. When you become a father, you change in many ways and I'm delighted.
"I think the first season was tough, the second went better and the third is just starting now. My ambition is to play in every match.
"We know how hard it is to go through a season playing in every game but I'll try to keep taking good care of myself to help Arsenal at all times"
- Kostas Lianos
Ray of light
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour left Invincibles team-mate Martin Keown sweating over whether he'd get a Premier League medal in a cruel prank, according to Rami Shaaban.
Shaaban told SunSport: "I was on the bench. You know you have to play ten games to get a medal. Obviously, the Invincible season we won it maybe three or four games before the end.
"I was on the bench with Ray Parlour and Martin Keown. Ray Parlour is a funny guy… funny dude. We had made two substitutions. He [Arsene Wenger] always put on [Nwankwo] Kanu and Keown so they can get the 10 games, they needed these games to get the medal.
"Ray Parlour comes to me and says 'Rami, Rami, go and warm up'. I said 'No I can't', I'm a shy Swedish guy. I couldn't do it.
"So Ray warmed up and took off his jersey and you should've seen Martin's face. He hugged the boss, because he then played, but he was so scared he wouldn't get a medal. [Dennis] Bergkamp was in on it as well. He said 'Rami, come on go up'"
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal targeting two new signings
Arsenal hope to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window by bringing in players in two different positions.
According to transfers guru Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are still invested in finding both a new midfielder and a winger.
Romano said: "They will keep going step by step, game by game with the aim to improve the whole project with new contracts, new players in the future and more".
However, Romano added that the North Londoners will only make moves for those that they consider to be the right kind of players for the team.
The reporter believes that Leicester star Youri Tielemans remains a midfielder that they are considering
- Kostas Lianos
Martinelli contract situation
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has two years left on his current deal but insists he is keen to remain for much longer.
Martinelli said: "We are talking about a contract so let’s see what happens.
"But of course I want to stay. I think this is my best season at Arsenal and I am so happy for this moment.
"Everyone can see our hunger and our mentality. We want to win every single game.
"I am so happy to be playing alongside players like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka"
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
More about Saka
CBS Sports' Ben Jacobs told The Football Terrace that Chelsea might be willing to present Bukayo Saka with a bigger deal than Arsenal.
But the contract offer from the Gunners – thought to be around £200,000 a week for five years – is already on the table.
And the North Londoners are confident Saka will put pen to paper on his new deal.
In fact, this is not a question of if but when…
- Kostas Lianos
Sak's appeal grows
Chelsea could launch a shock bid for Arsenal star Bukayo Saka just as Liverpool's hopes of landing the winger fade.
The Gunners, however, remain confident of tying Saka, 21, to a new and long contract.
But CBS Sports' Ben Jacobs suggests the Blues' owner Todd Boehly regards the England international as an ideal recruit for Graham Potter's young squad.
The West Londoners' main hope would surely be to dangle a huge contract for a player tipped to be one of England's main men at the World Cup.
Reported interest from Liverpool and Manchester City has dipped
- Kostas Lianos
Gakpo bidding war
AC Milan and Real Madrid have joined the bidding war for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo.
Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Gakpo, as have Manchester United.
According to Fichajes, however, Milan are also interested as well as Real.
The winger has put together a raft of impressive performances at PSV.
- Kostas Lianos
Ramsdale new contract
Arsenal are looking to offer goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale a new contract.
That is according to the Athletic, who claim Ramsdale could soon be in line for a new deal at the Emirates.
That is after team-mates Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli have renewed.
The England international has put together a series of impressive performances with the Gunners and his contract runs out in 2025
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
Mudryk transfer update
Shakhtar Donetsk have raised Mykhaylo Mudryk's asking price amid Arsenal's interest.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Shakhtar may demand as much as €65million (£57m).
Romano said: "Shakhtar Donetsk wanted around €50m for him in August, probably €40m plus add-ons were enough.
"Today, I'm sure they want way more than €50m for their star, it could probably be as high as €60-65m”
- Kostas Lianos
Mane on a mission
Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane whispered a message to Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka as the pair met at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday.
Ex-Liverpool forward Mane finished as runner-up in the award to Real Madrid superstar Karim Benzema.
Before the ceremony got underway the Senegal international bumped into Saka, embracing his fellow forward.
It is not clear what was said between the pair but the England international beamed as he listened to what Mane had to say.
Some have speculated that the Senegalese superstar was trying to persuade the youngster to move to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp is believed to be a big fan of Saka with Liverpool and Manchester City monitoring his situation
- Kostas Lianos
Arsenal title prediction
Arsenal will crumble after Christmas to leave their Premier League title dreams in tatters, claims former Gooner Jermaine Pennant.
Pennant told talkSPORT: "I think that Arsenal, after Christmas, will cookie crumble like they did the year before to drop out of the Champions League spots.”
“What [Mikel] Arteta has done at Arsenal, where they were two, three seasons ago and what they are doing now, is absolutely amazing.
"We are giving Arsenal a lot of praise about where they are going and how they have conducted themselves in the first ten games.
"But it is all about will they maintain that, will they continue that after Christmas?
"We have seen a lot of teams come flying out the blocks and then as soon as the Christmas period comes and the games come thick and fast, they slip over easily"
- Kostas Lianos
Loc and loaded
Arsenal are interested in signing Juventus ace Manuel Locatelli but he could cost a minimum of £35million.
Locatelli joined Juve from Sassuolo on an initial two-year loan deal with the Bianconeri having to pay £35m to make it permanent next summer.
Reports in Italy suggest that manager Massimiliano Allegri has not been overly impressed by the midfielder, however, and could opt to let him leave.
The Gunners remain interested in the 24-year-old and could look to tempt him into joining this time around.
According to Il Bianconero, Juventus would demand at least the £35m they have to pay Sassuolo in order to consider selling the Italy international.
And the Serie A giants could even look to charge a bigger fee in order to try and make a profit out of Locatelli
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
More from Lokonga
Arsenal ace Albert Sambi Lokonga revealed he almost quit both the Gunners and Belgium due to a lack of game time earlier this year.
Lokonga, 22, joined the Gunners from Anderlecht for £18million last year but has only started getting regular games this season.
The midfielder said not getting much of a look in at the Emirates initially made him wonder if joining them “was a good idea”.
And it sounds like the 22-year-old remains angry with Belgium manager Roberto Martinez for repeatedly leaving him on their bench.
Lokonga told La Derniere Heure: “I called him the day after the international match in March. I was really p****d off.
“I thought for a moment that I didn’t even want to play for the national team anymore. I was disgusted.
“Martinez said he preferred players who are playing regularly at their club. He was also not completely satisfied with my training”
- Kostas Lianos
Lokonga almost snapped
Arsenal ace Albert Sambi Lokonga admitted he "nearly snapped", towards the end of last season as he was frustrated with his lack of playing time under manager Mikel Arteta.
Lokonga told The Metro: "Honestly, it’s difficult. I’m at one of the best clubs in England. I could have played somewhere else every weekend, but that wouldn’t have been the right solution for me.
"I develop better with 20 minutes of playing time at Arsenal than always playing elsewhere but always winning with 3-0 or 4-0.
"It’s a personal decision [to stay at Arsenal]. I wanted to give myself another year to stay at Arsenal and then see what happens. I think I have the qualities to succeed here. Last season, I didn’t perform at my best level. I still have things to prove.
"At the end of last season, I almost snapped. I called my agent to ask him if staying at Arsenal was a good idea. He comforted me in my choice, even though I know I need to start more often to develop"
- Kostas Lianos
Saka misses out on award
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka's sensational year saw him voted the eighth best young player in the world.
Saka, 21, was one of a number of the hottest prospects in world football in the running for the Ballon d'Or Kopa trophy on Monday.
The prize is given to the best performing players under the age of 21 and the winger finished behind a pack of European starlets headed by Barcelona wonderkid Gavi.
But the forward's sensational year for European championship runners-up England and current Premier League leaders Arsenal wasn't enough to lead him to the top honour
- James Colasanti
Drake's Gunner clear up
Rap star Drake won nearly £11MILLION on a single roulette spin while wearing an Arsenal shirt.
The Canadian wore the Gunners' classis 2005-06 shirt with Thierry Henry's surname and number on the back as he spun the wheel and it landed on black 11.
The star posted details of his mega win on his official Twitch channel stakedrake.
Drake (left) wearing the retro Arsenal shirtCredit: https://twitter.com/afcstuff/status/1581987506093846528 - James Colasanti
Sambi Lokonga's bad year
Albert Sambi Lokonga has revealed he almost quit both Arsenal AND Belgium due to a lack of game time earlier this year.
The midfielder, 22, joined the Gunners from Anderlecht for £18million last summer but has only started getting regular games this season.
He said not getting much of a look in at the Emirates initially made him wonder if joining them "was a good idea".
And it sounds like he remains angry with Belgium boss Roberto Martinez for repeatedly leaving him on their bench.
Sambi Lokonga told La Derniere Heure: "I called him the day after the international match in March. I was really p****d off.
"I thought for a moment that I didn’t even want to play for the national team anymore. I was disgusted.
"Martinez said he preferred players who are playing regularly at their club. He was also not completely satisfied with my training."
- James Colasanti
Will Europe derail Arsenal?
Arsenal lead the Prem by four points and with a reasonable set of four Prem fixtures coming up look primed to stay top before the World Cup break.
The Gunners have games against bottom-three duo Southampton and Nottingham Forest, managerless Wolves, and London rivals Chelsea ahead of the start of the Qatar hiatus on November 14.
But they also have to contend with a Europa League double-header against PSV Eindhoven along with a Group A clash with FC Zurich – and all in the dreaded Thursday evening slot – before the break.
Mikel Arteta's men also have a tricky-looking Carabao Cup clash with Brighton in early November – so their Prem title credentials are going to get a thorough fixture-list stress-test in the coming weeks.
- James Colasanti
Tierney starting place 'in doubt'
Kieran Tierney's starting place at Arsenal is now in doubt, according to Gunners legend Nigel Winterburn.
The Scotland star was on the bench again for Arsenal's 1-0 win at Leeds on Sunday.
He replaced Ben White in the 76th minute at Elland Road by Winterburn believes he might now have to accept he is second-choice behind Takehiro Tomiyasu.
He told Ladbokes: Fanzone: "One thing that Kieran Tierney has got to worry about is that Tomiyasu has played the last two league games ahead of him on that left-hand side.
"I could understand it against Liverpool, but I can't answer that question as to why he started ahead of him against Leeds."
- James Colasanti
'Tie down Saka and Martinelli'
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has urged the club to give young superstars Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka bumper new deals – or risk losing them.
The former Gunners left-back, 58, who won seven major honours with the club during 13 years of service, believes the time is right to protect their new crown jewels.
He told Ladbokes: Fanzone: "I suppose you'd be looking at Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka and it's quite simple.
"They are young players that need to be tied down on long-term deals.
"I don't have an issue with them jumping from £30-50k, up to £150-200k a week.
"I'm nervous because they are two young, sensational players and I would hate if they left the club."
- James Colasanti
Pennant dismisses Arsenal's title tilt
Former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant believes Arsenal's Prem title challenge will "crumble" after Christmas.
The Gunners are top after ten games following a gutsy 1-0 win at Leeds on Sunday.
Pennant, 39, was at Arsenal between 1999 and 2005 but regularly sent out on loan.
He told talkSPORT: "I think that Arsenal, after Christmas, will cookie crumble like they did the year before to drop out of the Champions League spots.”
- James Colasanti
What's Mane's message to Saka?
Top prize to anyone who guesses what Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane whispered in Bukayo Saka's ear at the Ballon d'Or ceremony last night.
Some have speculated Mane was trying to persuade the brilliant young Arsenal winger to ditch the Gunners for his former side Liverpool!
It seems more likely the Senegal star was simply saying well done to the 21-year-old England star on finishing eighth in the Ballon d'Dor's best young player in the world section.
But if Saka does start running out of the home dressing room at Anfield at some point next year then remember you heard it ear (sic) first.
Sadio Mane gave Bukayo Saka a hug at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony and whispered something in his ear - James Colasanti
Arsenal's predicted 14-year high
Arsenal are on target to reach 80 Prem points for the first time since 2008, according to predictions from Sporting Index.
The spread betting firm also forecast Gabriel Jesus will be the Gunners' top scorer this season with 17 goals, ahead of in-form England winger Bukayo Saka on 13.
Neville Burdock, Head of Sportsbook at Sporting Index, said: “After their battling win over Leeds at the weekend, we now predict Arsenal will break the 80-point barrier this season.
“It would mark the first time in 14 years, and only the third time since the 2003-04 Invincibles season, they have achieved the feat, showing the dramatic progress they have made under Mikel Arteta.”
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