Arsenal transfer blow as ‘Newcastle try to steal £26m Shakhtar Donetsk prospect Mykhaylo Mudryk from under their noses’

ARSENAL have reportedly suffered a setback in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donestk star Mykhaylo Mudryk when Newcastle emerged as rival bidders.

The Gunners were interested in the Ukraine star but reportedly pulled out of a deal in the summer over Shakhtar demanding a hefty fee.

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Despite reports that also suggested Mudryk had agreed personal terms with Arsenal, the transfer did not go through.

And now Newcastle are looking to hijack a deal, Football Insider claims.

Manager Eddie Howe has reportedly given the green light to the signing, which could be valued at £26million.

The Magpies are looking to bolster their attacking options to support big-money newcomer Alexander Isak.

Mudryk is a winger and the 21-year-old has scored twice in the Champions League this season.

He has been dubbed Ukraine’s answer to Neymar.

In total, he has scored four times for Shakhtar and has assisted 12 goals in 42 games.

The player has previously expressed his willingness to join Arsenal but the mega-rich Newcastle seem happier to meet Shakhtar’s demands.

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Brentford and Everton have also been interested in him in the past.

Arsenal could be active in the transfer market in January as they may also be looking to seal the signing of Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa after a deadline-day bid was rejected in the summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side are back in action tomorrow when they meet the Mudryk citizens of Brentford.