Chelsea could be prepared to pounce if Arsenal fail to agree terms with Shaktar Donetsk over Mykhailo Murdryk.
The Blues are in the race to sign the highly-rated Ukrainian, and held a meeting with a Shakhtar delegation before Christmas over a potential move.
Chelsea’s pursuit of the player has been all talk and no action so far, though they could be ready to strike if Arsenal are unable to match Shakhtar’s valuation of the player.
Arsenal have already seen a £45million offer plus add-ons rejected, though there have been reports that they could make an improved offer of £62million.
Mudryk prefers a move on Arsenal and is keen to wait on the Gunners before considering another team.
Chelsea have had a tough start to the season and are expected to be busy during the January window.
The Blues are closing in on a £33m deal to sign Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile and they are also understood to have made a whopping £112m offer for World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez of Benfica.
Chelsea representatives also held talks with representatives of Shakhtar over Mudryk before Christmas – as they other clubs.
They are also interested in Joao Felix – another player that has been linked to Arsenal.
Arsenal target Mudryk told people on holiday in Dubai that he expected to end up at the Emirates as the Gunners ramp up their pursuit of the Shakhtar Donetsk star.
The Gunners are desperate to get the signing of the 21-year-old over the line, despite Shakhtar demanding £85m.
Mudryk was spotted in Dubai in mid-December at the same time as Mikel Arteta’s squad, who were competing in the Dubai Super Cup as part of their preparations for the return of the Premier League.
The winger has also been dropping possible hints of a desire to move to north London, including when he posted an image on Boxing Day of himself watching Arsenal beat West Ham 3-1.
And on New Year’s Eve, Mudryk posted another Instagram of him was watching ‘two great coaches’ – Arteta, and his former Shakhtar Donetsk boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is now managing Brighton.
The Times have reported that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Mudryk over a five-year deal.