Mikel Arteta attempted to play down the significance of Arsenal transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk using his Instagram account to show he was watching his potential new club in action against West Ham.
Just hours after reports broke which claimed the Gunners had submitted an official bid for the 21-year-old, the winger shared footage of Eddie Nketiah’s game-clinching goal in a 3-1 win.
The Gunners had fallen behind to Said Benrahama’s first half penalty, but a fired up Arsenal responded like champions and produced an impressive second half comeback that cemented their place at the top of the Premier League.
Mudryk would no doubt have been impressed as all three members of Arsenal’s frontline got themselves on the scoresheet but Arteta was adamant that the Shakhtar Donetsk star’s social media activity should not be taken as clue as to his potential destination in January.
He said: ‘The good thing is that in England you don’t have many other matches in other countries. We are the only ones playing through Christmas so hopefully a lot people have watched our game and we give them a good show.’
Asked for a response to speculation that Arsenal have launched a €40 million opening offer, Arteta added: ‘You know I never speak about players that are not with us and I know in this transfer market you have to ask me the question.
‘We said we will try and find ways to strengthen the team and we will try and find the right players.’
If Mudryk is to join Arsenal, he will face the unenviable task of competing for a starting spot with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka who both produced sparking performances against the Hammers.
‘They have earned the right,’ said Arteta of his current first choice wingers. ‘It is not something we have given, they have earned that right to be part of us and be really, really important in the team and in the squad and hopefully we will have more.’
Arteta was particularly delighted, meanwhile, for Eddie Nketiah who marked his first appearance since the injury to Gabriel Jesus with a brilliantly taken goal to seal another three points.
‘I just gave him a big hug because he totally deserved that with the play he played,’ added Arteta.
‘He showed his strength, quality and timing, the composure of the finish. It was an outstanding performance from him.
‘He has been trying in the last few games and has the capacity to score. We see it every day in training and that will give him confidence.’
MORE : Eddie Nketiah sends message to Arsene Wenger after Arsenal legend watches West Ham win
MORE : Arsenal transfer target Mykhailo Mudryk watches win over West Ham
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