Arsenal in big risk of losing top target as Newcastle emerge with a chance

 Noel Whelan has claimed that Newcastle United have a chance of signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in the January winter transfer window ahead of Arsenal.

Before now, the Gunners were tipped as favorites as the player also confessed his love for Arsenal and made a come-get-me plea.

However, the pundit says Newcastle United, who are third on the log so gave a chance but they will “have to be prepared to break the budget” because Shakhtar Donetsk “holding all the cards right now”.

Whelan suggested Newcastle could lose out on their man if they decline the opportunity to sign him in January.

He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Newcastle are in a really good position and they’re ahead of schedule in that project right now.

“But January is a notoriously difficult window to get transfers done. Shakhtar hold all the cards right now.

“If you desperately want him and need him, then Newcastle have to be prepared to break the budget.

“That’s what the January window is. You’re paying above and beyond, but if you’re serious about finishing in the top four – it could be worth it.

“If you leave it, he could go somewhere else.

“To get in there first and in January, I think Newcastle will have to cave to those demands.”