Wilfried Zaha to Joao Felix – Arsenal’s potential alternatives for Mykhaylo Mudryk with Shakhtar Donetsk looking for big fee for star winger

05/01/2023 14:41

Arsenal are keen to sign winger Mykhaylo Mudryk, but Shakhtar Donetsk look set to decline the Gunners’ improved second bid. But should the Ukrainian star fail to seal a move to the Emirates with his current club wanting a large fee, there are a number of other wingers they could snap up instead in their bid for the title. Should Mudryk be out of reach, Arsenal have a number of alternatives they could turn toGetty With their £52million bid already turned down and their second, improved offer of £68million expected to be rejected too, Arsenal will likely be drafting up some alternative recruits for the January window. Current left winger Gabriel Martinelli has been deadly for the Premier League leaders this season and is the Gunners joint-top scorer alongside Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka on seven goals. With only Reiss Nelson available as a backup option, though, the Gunners suffer from a lack of depth in attack which is something that could hinder their chance at clinching the title. Speaking after their goalless draw against Newcastle, Mikel Arteta recognised this, saying: “We have what we have. Obviously we have some injuries as well and attacking areas… we don’t have that many options. But it is what it is. “That is something we always try, to improve our team. Every window is really important because we still have a lot of things to do with this team.” The Gunners are set to face competition from Chelsea for left winger Mudryk, but should they fail to sign him, here’s four other players they could look to recruit instead. Most read in Football ALL OK Ronaldo can live with partner Rodriguez despite Saudi's strict unmarried couple laws sad Bailey in tears and apologises but Villa legend Agbonlahor insists crying was 'strange' MAR-VELLOUS Ronaldo is one person not surprised by Odegaard's current Arsenal form rein in Aguero reveals Messi told him to 'stop drinking' during Argentina World Cup party Funny South Africa tourism board respond to Ronaldo error at Saudi Arabia unveiling WAIT Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr debut on Thursday in doubt amid report he's 'banned' Arteta and Edu could be drawing up a list of alternativesGetty Joao Felix Portugal and Atletico Madrid star Felix is one star Arsenal have been linked with. Although predominantly played as a striker, the 23-year-old can also play at left wing, scoring twice from that position against Cadiz in October. The ex-Porto star signed for Atleti for a whopping £113million in 2019, so it’s likely a loan move would be the best solution for Arsenal, with the Spanish club looking for a £8million loan fee. After being absent from his club’s squad on Wednesday, speculation relating to his departure is higher than ever. Felix could be on the Gunners’ mindRex Ferran Torres 22-year-old Spanish star Torres moved to Barcelona for £48million to just over a year ago, with him tied into a five-year contract and a buyout clause of £884million. This didn’t stop the Gunners sniffing round the ex-Manchester City ace last summer, though. With Barca in deep financial trouble and Torres featuring on the bench more often than in the starting XI at the Nou Camp, the move could be perfect for all parties. However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says the La Liga giants are not keen on letting him leave in this window. Time will tell on Torres’ future. Arsenal have been linked with an interest in the Barcelona forwardGetty Wilfried Zaha It’s widely known that Crystal Palace talisman Zaha is a self-confessed Arsenal fan and the 30-year-old could be a perfect fit at the Emirates. After entering the final year of contract, Zaha is likely to snub a new deal and run his contract down, according to Romano. Due to his age and small amount of time left on his current contract, Zaha – who has scored six for Palace this season – could be a bargain for the Gunners. If there was a time for the Ivory Coast striker to make his final, big career move, this may be the time. Zaha is adored by the Palace fans, but could leave for a second timeGetty Leandro Trossard In October The Sun reported Arsenal were keen on signing Brighton star Leandro Trossard. The Seagulls recently triggered the option to extent the Belgian’s contract for a year, with it previously set to expire in the summer. talkSPORT understands Brighton are now hoping to convince Trossard to sign a new long-term deal to avoid being forced to cash in at the end of the season. But given the 28-year-old is currently Brighton’s top scorer – netting seven times and recording three assists – should Arsenal be prepared to offer the right price he could be the perfect backup for Martinelli. Trossard is Brighton’s top scorer this seasonGetty