Mikel Arteta addresses the unsuccessful transfer of Mykhailo Mudryk.

• Mikel Arteta opens up on failed Mykhailo Mudryk transfer.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed the club’s unsuccessful transfer of Mykhailo Mudryk for the first time.

For the past few weeks, the Gunners and Shakhtar Donetsk have been negotiating a transfer for the winger. Arsenal was hopeful of concluding a deal even if they were unwilling to accept a price tag that might exceed €100 million.

However, their plans were sidetracked when Chelsea stepped in and quickly confirmed Mudryk’s signing on Sunday afternoon by matching Shakhtar’s asking price on Saturday night.

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Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Tottenham in the north London derby, Arteta was asked how he felt about the club’s top transfer target being snatched away from them.

“I am happy with the players we have,” Arteta said. “We always try to improve the squad. We have to be consistent with the targets we want. The club is the first one that is trying, but I think as well we have to have some discipline.

“We can get those players [that we already have] better so let’s focus on that. We had injuries which are not helpful but we go [again] tomorrow, we go day by day. The window is open and we try to improve the team. The club is willing, they have my support and we’ll try and do it together.”