One of Chelsea’s most expensive signings has been labelled a ‘disaster’ – and in another world he could have joined Arsenal.
Chelsea saw off fierce competition from London rivals Arsenal when they signed Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2023.
Mudryk only made 44 appearances for the Ukrainian side but impressed enough to earn a £62m move to Stamford Bridge, plus a further £27m in bonuses.
A 22-year-old Mudryk signed a staggering eight-and-a-half year contract at Chelsea but time is already running out for the winger to save his Premier Leaguecareer.
Mudryk earned rave reviews for his bright cameo against Liverpool on his Chelsea debut, with Rio Ferdinand saying at the time that Arsenal could live to regret not bringing him to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were confident of signing Mudryk in the summer of 2023, particularly after the Ukraine international hinted he was keen on the move in a series of cryptic social media posts.
But Chelsea hijacked the move and agreed a late deal with Shakhtar Donetsk, with Mudryk reportedly left ‘devastated’ that a dream move to Arsenal fell through.