Sky pundit says Arsenal could be about to secure transfer of ‘special talent’

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Stephen Warnock says Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal could be about to secure the transfer of ’special talent’ Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The former Premier League left-back added that it ‘wouldn’t surprise’ to him if, on top of Mudryk, the Premier League leaders also add another number nine to their ranks.

Mikel Arteta only has one bonafide number nine to pick from ahead of a hectic schedule for the best team in England, at this moment in time, according to Kevin de Bruyne.

Gabriel Jesus is seemingly out for the long-term, whilst Nketiah started and scored during his side’s comeback win against West Ham United on Boxing Day.

But ahead of the January transfer window opening on Sunday, those in north London are keen on adding Mudryk to their ranks.

And Warnock was asked about his possible transfer and how Arteta could use him if he were to don the Arsenal colours, as he told the Football Show on Sky Sports.

“He’s a talent,” said Warnock. “He’s a special talent. Anyone who has seen him play will realise the type of player he is.

“It’s interesting that he plays on the left-hand side, whether he’d play almost as a false nine or move Martinelli inside and then feel that he could play that role Gabriel Jesus plays with that high intensity of pressing.

“I think (the signing of Mudryk) would also push Nketiah as well, which isn’t a bad thing. Nketiah’s record has been pretty good, with his starts. I think it’s 11 goals in 13 games.

“Again, I gotback to the due diligence of the players, they wouldn’t buy Mudryk without doing the due diligence and feeling that he fits into the system they want to play. It wouldn’t surprise me if they also went for a number nine, on top of Mudryk.”

AN OUT-AND-OUT STRIKER IS NEEDED

Whilst Mudryk would be a healthy purchase for Arsenal, an out-and-out striker is still needed.

If Nketiah were to struggle or even get injured, then Arteta would have to think out of the box and play either Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Mudryk if he signs down the middle.

Now, whilst those three are all goal threats, they are goal threats from the flanks and that number nine role requires a different style of cooking.