Arsenal could land incredible Mudryk alternative who's been compared to Thierry Henry: report

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Arsenal have moved on from Mykhaylo Mudryk already and could now sign Rafael Leao, who's been likened to Thierry Henry

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta claps the fans after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15, 2023 in London, England.
(Image credit: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal are already identifying a Plan B to Mykhaylo Mudryk, who the Gunners were chasing extensively before he signed for Chelsea.

The table toppers have made it clear that they are looking another attacker this month, as depth in their quest for a first title in 19 years. Mudryk of Shakhtar was the main target, with Arsenal unprepared to meet the €100 million asking price.

After the North London Derby victory, manager Mikel Arteta admitted the club are looking for new signings.

Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, embraces Bukayo Saka of Arsenal after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 15, 2023 in London, England.

Mikel Arteta embraces Bukayo Saka after the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur (Image credit: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

“I am very proud to have the players we have,” Arteta said, while adding “We always want to try to improve the squad. The club are the first to try and improve the players we have.

“We have to have some discipline and be consistent in the targets we have. We can make the players better – let's focus on that.”

According to football.london, AC Milan winger Rafael Leao could be an option for the Gunners going forward. The Portuguese has been compared with Gunners legend Thierry Henry for his leggy style, pausa while dribbling and his ability to break in from the left flank – and football.london adds that he's a fan of the north Londoners.

“Experience in a new league? Yes, in the future,” the 23-year-old told RDPAfrica via Fabrizio Romano, adding “I watch many games. This year, I like Arsenal – they’re playing very well.”

Rafael Leao of AC Milan controls the ball during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AC Milan at Stadio Carlo Castellani, Empoli, Italy on 1 October 2022.

Rafael Leao warms up ahead of the match between Empoli and AC Milan (Image credit: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Leao could cost a pretty penny, however. In the past, Scudetto holders Milan have rated the star at €100m and have apparently even rejected bids of that nature in the past for their talismanic forward. With Leao's contract up in 2024, however, the Rossoneri might be tempted to part with him if they receive a good offer.

According to Transfermarkt, Leao is valued at €85m.

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Arsenal are considering re-signing Yunus Musah, while Cody Gakpo was an option, too – Joao Felix emerged as a potential superstar signing at the Emirates Stadium, too.

Mikel Arteta has admitted the Gunners are looking for new signings, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic having been linked. 

Gabriel Martinelli's contract situation is being watched by Barcelona, meanwhile.

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.