Arsenal are optimistic they can eventually reach a deal to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, and another bid for the player is expected.

The Times report that negotiations between Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk over Mykhaylo Mudryk continued on Thursday, and the Gunners are optimistic about an eventual deal for the winger.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano added that another bid for Mudryk is expected, with Arsenal yet to reach an agreement to sign him.

Shakhtar may reportedly accept €80-85m, with Arsenal’s opening bid coming to €65m in total, so the difference in valuations is around €15-20m right now.

Romano claims the Gunners know it’s important to act fast, which could be for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, the longer the saga drags on, the greater the chance that another club enters the race or Shakhtar decide to wait for the summer to sell.

But there’s also the matter of Arsenal’s upcoming run of games. Though the schedule isn’t particularly hectic at the moment, Mikel Arteta’s side play big games against Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United in January.

They then play title rivals Manchester City in February, before things get busy with the return of the Europa League in March.

Having Mudryk available for the big January matches would be nice, but it’s perhaps even more important to have him integrated and up to speed by the time the window ends.

If Arsenal don’t sign him until January 31st, his integration period will be delayed by a month.

Ukrainian outlet SportArena report that most likely, the two clubs will be able to close a deal in the end, with Mudryk’s desire for the move an important factor.

Currently on a winter break with Shakhtar, Mudryk has scored 10 goals and assisted eight in 18 appearances for Shakhtar Donetsk this season, including five goals and assists in his six Champions League appearances.