Arsenal refuse to give up after Mykhaylo Mudryk bid rejected by Shakhtar Donetsk

Shakhtar Donetsk rejected Arsenal's first bid for winger Mykhailo Mudryk, according to reports.

Since the summer, the attacker has been connected to the Gunners, and when the transfer market reopens on Sunday, they are prepared to step up their attempts to get him to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal aren't the only team interested in signing the Ukraine international, though, as Shakhtar are willing to negotiate hard.

The Evening Standard reports that Mudryk's present employers turned down Arsenal's offer of £55 million for him.

The 21-year-old, whose Transfermark value is £35 million, is believed to be eager to join the Premier League in the upcoming transfer window, but his club is adamant about getting the best price for him.

As Mikel Arteta's team strives to win the Premier League, the Ukraine international would provide further competition for spots in the Arsenal assault.

With a 3-1 victory over West Ham on Boxing Day, the Gunners increased their lead over the competition at the top to seven points.