Arsenal given warning over 21yo star; City set to dangle $178m carrot as swap looms: Rumour Mill

Arsenal given warning over 21yo star; City set to dangle $178m carrot as swap looms: Rumour Mill

Arsenal are locked in negotiations for a budding star yet to score an international goal and Manchester United might have found a solution to a Cristiano Ronaldo-sized hole.

Elsewhere, Manchester City might be prepared to cut their losses on England’s most expensive player after just 18 months as the January transfer window will be flung open in 48 hours.

Catch up on the biggest whispers doing the rounds in the latest edition of the Rumour Mill!

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GUNNERS TOLD TO PAY UP FOR 21YO SHAKHTAR STAR

Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk is set to stay with the Ukrainian side unless Arsenal raise their offer, according to Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin.

The Gunners had an opening offer of approximately $AUD98m for the 21-year-old winger knocked back as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad for their unlikely title push.

However, Palkin confirmed the two clubs remain in talks over the potential sale of Shakhtar’s prized asset.

“Negotiations are continuing,” Palkin told Shakhtar’s official website.

“We receive offers, but they are not the ones we would like to see on our table.

“Now, literally in five minutes, I will have a phone conversation with Arsenal.

“We are open to negotiations, ready to exchange ideas and figures. If we will agree, then let it be so.

“If we will not, then let it be another time.”

If Arsenal really want to bring Mudryk to the Emirates, Sky Sports claims the Gunners will have to fork out a whopping $151m for his services.

Mudryk has eight caps for Ukraine to his name, but has yet to score for his nation.

Mykhailo Mudryk is one of the hottest properties in football. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

RED DEVILS FIND RONALDO REPLACEMENT?

With Cristiano Ronaldo now far, far away from Carrington, Manchester United are down a man in their striking department.

Anthony Martial is set to hold down the fort, but should the Frenchman cop an injury, it leaves the Red Devil woefully light on forward firepower.

But with Ronaldo’s wages now off the bill, it gives United plenty of financial wiggle room.

And according to The Sun, the English heavyweights may use that to bring in Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata to Old Trafford.

Any move would be temporary given United is operating on a strict budget until next summer, but Morata could score himself a permanent deal should he make the move and impress in his time with the club.

The Spaniard has played in the Premier League previously, scoring 16 league goals during an 18-month spell with Chelsea.

Alvaro Morata could be headed back to England. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

DO CITY CUT THEIR LOSSES ON $178M MAN?

Jack Grealish made international headlines when he moved from boyhood club Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021 for a Premier League record fee of $AUD178m.

However, the 27-year-old has found life tougher than he perhaps thought at the Etihad as he continues to learn manager Pep Guardiola’s style of play.

Grealish has also struggled to nail down a starting spot in the team, as he’s often caught up in Guardiola’s rotation and trading spots with Phil Foden on the left wing.

With the England international struggling for consistent form, it’s reportedly led Guardiola and Manchester City to consider involving Grealish in a sensational swap deal for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, per CalcioMercato.

Leao, who has emerged as a crucial piece of the puzzle with the Rossoneri, is at the centre of a transfer tussle as City, Chelsea and Arsenal battle it out for the Portuguese star.

Whether Milan would be open to having Grealish join their ranks remains to be seen, but it would be an almighty loss for City if they were to give up on their prized asset that easily.