Imminent Chelsea signing Mykhaylo Mudryk asked Arsenal if they would be prepared to match the Blues' £88m bid before agreeing to sign.
The Ukrainian starlet has been desperate to join the Gunners this January but now looks set to join their London rivals.
Chelsea have hijacked Arsenal's move for Mudryk. Stamford Bridge officials were in Poland to conclude talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over an £88m (€100m) deal.
CBS Sports reports Mudryk asked if Arsenal were prepared to match Chelsea's offer, clearly still preferring the interest from Mikel Arteta's side. However, it was made clear to the exciting Ukraine prospect that the Gunners would not be increasing their initial proposal.