Chelsea flop Mykhailo Mudryk was reportedly heartbroken after his anticipated transfer to Arsenal fell through last January.
Following a promising spell with Shakhtar Donetsk in the first half of the 2022-23 season, Mudryk seemed destined for Arsenal, aiming to fortify their attacking ranks in pursuit of a title charge.
Despite Arsenal’s willingness to break their transfer record for Mudryk, the Ukrainian ultimately landed at Chelsea for £88m, as Shakhtar favored Chelsea’s offer terms and structure.
However, recent revelations have shed light on Mudryk’s deep-seated desire to join Arsenal. The Athletic reported his devastation upon realizing the collapse of the deal.
An insider from Arsenal, speaking anonymously, disclosed Mudryk’s emotional turmoil, recounting his tearful departure for London and a desperate plea to salvage his dream move.
Despite Mudryk’s fervent aspirations, fate intervened, leading him to pen an eight-and-a-half-year contract at Chelsea. His debut season at Stamford Bridge proved lackluster, managing a meager four goals across 43 appearances.
Roberto De Zerbi, Mudryk’s former mentor at Shakhtar, once touted the forward’s potential Ballon d’Or contention, yet Mudryk’s transition to English football failed to materialize the prophesied brilliance.
Struggling to secure playing time under Mauricio Pochettino’s helm, Mudryk found himself sidelined amidst the prominence of England’s Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling in Chelsea’s lineup.
His absence from league starting lineups in 2024 mirrored his lack of impact during Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final defeat against Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Arsenal swiftly pivoted from the Mudryk setback, securing the services of Leandro Trossard from Brighton for £27m shortly after. Trossard’s tenure at the Emirates has been illustrious, amassing 11 goals and 12 assists in 53 appearances.