Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk told people in Dubai he expects to end up in the Emirates

Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk has told people on holiday in Dubai he expects to land in the Emirates – as the Gunners step up their pursuit of the Shakhtar Donetsk star.

The Gunners are keen to sign the 21-year-old despite Shakhtar asking £85m.

Mudryk was spotted in Dubai in mid-December at the same time as Mikel Arteta’s side taking part in the Dubai Super Cup as part of their preparations for their return to the Premier League.

Mykhailo Mudryk told people on holiday in Dubai he expects to join Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are leading the race for Mudryk but Chelsea are also interested in the winger

The winger has also dropped possible hints of a desire to move to north London, including when he posted a picture of himself showing Arsenal beating West Ham 3-1 on Boxing Day.

And on New Year’s Eve, Mudryk posted another Instagram of him watching “two great coaches” – Arteta and his former Shakhtar Donetsk boss Roberto Ze Derbi, who now manages Brighton.

It has also now emerged that Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with Mudryk while they step up their quest for a five-year deal for the winger, according to The Times.

Sportsmail reported on Monday that the Gunners have made an improved offer for Mudryk, expected to be around £44m up front, with surcharges of up to £62m.

Mudryk had previously hinted at a possible move to north London by watching Arsenal games over Christmas

This comes after the club had an opening offer of £35m plus £17m in add-ons which was rejected by the Ukrainian club.

Mudryk, who turns 22 on January 5, was named Player of the Year for the second straight year by Shakhtar fans on Friday.

The Ukraine winger has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in European football after a phenomenal start to the season in which he has scored 10 goals in 18 games in all competitions.

Arsenal, seven points clear in a 4-2 win over Brighton, appear poised to land Mudryk’s signature – unless West London rivals Chelsea match the Ukrainian club’s higher rating for his winger.

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, who coached Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2021/22 season, was full of admiration and praise for the winger.

Ahead of Brighton’s clash with Arsenal, he said: “Mudryk is a fantastic player but Brighton can’t buy him. I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk, he has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.