Arsenal ‘step up’ Joao Felix transfer chase after adopting firm Mykhaylo Mudryk stance | Football | Sport

Arsenal are reportedly set to ‘step up’ their interest in Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix after Chelsea entered the race for Mykhaylo Mudryk. Mikel Arteta does not want to get into a bidding war for Mudryk despite his clear ambition to join the Gunners as Arsenal take a firm stance on the Ukrainian.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Mudryk since the summer and the club stepped up their pursuit in the January transfer window. The Gunners have already seen two bids rejected for the 22-year-old with the most recent around the £62million mark. 

However, Shakhtar have publically stated they will only accept £88m for their star player something Arsenal are not willing to pay. As a result, the door has been opened for Chelsea with the Blues said to have entered the race for his services with the Ukrainian champions’ director of football, Dario Srna, present at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night. 

The Telegraph reports that Arsenal are still confident of securing his signing but they have stepped up their interest in Felix in the meantime. Ideally, both players would arrive at the Emirates but they will not be drawn into a bidding war for Mudryk with the fear that Chelsea will be able to comfortably outbid them. 

Win a pair of tickets to the Premier League or Women’s Super League match of your choosing! Enter below. CLICK HERE

Chelsea’s interest in Mudryk may accelerate over the coming days with wingers Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic joining an extensive injury list during the 1-0 defeat to City on Thursday. 

It remains to be seen who Arsenal will bring to the Emirates over the course of the winter but Gooners will be pleased to here that the club are looking to make moves to improve the squad.