Arsenal may be forced to shelve their plans to make a move for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk in January, according to reports.
The Gunners were heavily linked with the Ukraine international during the summer and were planning to renew their interest in him once the winter window opens.
However, those plans have been derailed by the news that Gabriel Jesus could be ou for three months with a knee injury.
The Brazilian recently underwent surgery and is unlikely to return before March, dealing a huge blow to Arsenal's Premier League title chances.
Mikel Arteta is now set to prioritise adding a new striker to his squad in January, with Eddie Nketiah the only fit centre-forward available to Arsenal right now.
And there might not be enough money in the kitty to buy Mudryk in the same window as a new frontman.
The fear is that the Gunners could miss out on the 21-year-old altogether, with several other clubs across Europe thought to be interested in a player who is valued at by Transfermarkt.
Mudryk is under contract with Shakhtar until 2026 but the Ukrainian outfit are willing to sell him for the right price.
The left-sided forward scored three goals and provided two assists in the group stage of the Champions League.
He has also been linked with Newcastle, who are targeting Champions League qualification this term.
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Arsenal are on red alert after reports emerged suggesting that Real Madrid are keeping close tabs on Gabriel Martinelli, who is enjoying an excellent season at the Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile the Blancos could also make a move for Gabriel Jesus, who is one of four names on their shortlist as the European champions seek to buy a new striker.
Elsewhere, Arsenal face stiff competition from two fellow Premier League clubs for the signature of USA international Yunus Musah.
