New year, new ‘cautious optimism’ for Arsenal as Old Lady sharpens axe

The new year always brings the arrival of a wave of emotions. Hope, excitement, some trepidation and fear, and for Arsenal, reportedly, optimism of the cautious variety.

Yes, the saga, and we can officially upgrade it to a saga, in the Gunners attempts to sign Ukraine winger Mykhalo Mudryk took another turn on Wednesday when Sky Sports revealed the current Premier League leaders ‘remain in talks’ over a deal for the Shakthar Donetsk star.

A bid of around £55m including add-ons has been swiftly rejected but one source has told the broadcaster ‘there is cautious optimism’ an agreement can be reached over the coming weeks as Mikel Arteta looks to add another attacking threat to his in-form squad.

Klopp looking to land ‘intense’ blow on Manchester United

Liverpool look set to send arch rivals Manchester United into 2023 on the back of a double dose of disappointment - if reports in Portugal are to be believed.

The Reds are rapidly closing in on a deal for PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo, as he arrived in England on Wednesday morning after it was revealed the two clubs has come to an agreement just over 24 hours earlier. The Netherlands World Cup star was a known target of the Red Devils and it has now been reported the Reds of Merseyside could beat the 13-time Premier League champions to a second signing after they moved forwards with a deal for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Portuguese outlet A Bola have reported Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is ‘intensifying their contact’ with Benfica - but will face the prospect of having to activate a £106m buyout clause in his current contract if they are to land the World Cup winner.

That said, Fernandez seems non-plussed by the transfer talk, telling O Globo: “I don’t know anything about that (his future). It’s up to my agent, I don’t want to get involved. I’m focused on Benfica, in a few days we have an important game. I have a flight at night to play in the game on Friday.”

Old Lady prepares to use her axe

Juventus are the latest club to be linked with a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

The Seagulls star has returned from a successful venture to the World Cup as he played a key role in Argentina’s third tournament win and is said to be on the transfer wishlist of the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and a number of clubs in Spain.

However, it is Juve that are the latest to be linked and they are said to be ready to ‘axe’ United States international Weston McKennie to make way for Mac Allister. Goal have reported the Seagulls midfielder and former Real Madrid star Isco - who recently left Sevilla - are both under consideration.