Second Chance for Mudryk? Arsenal Eye Former Target as Chelsea Faces Financial Pressure
Chelsea’s summer transfer plans could be restricted by financial regulations, creating an opportunity for Arsenal to reignite their interest in Mykhailo Mudryk, according to former Blues stars William Gallas and Emmanuel Petit.
A History of Divided Loyalties
Both Gallas and Petit have experience playing for both London clubs. Gallas made the switch from Chelsea to Arsenal in 2006, while Petit went the other way five years earlier, with a Barcelona stint in between.
Mudryk himself appeared to favor Arsenal over Chelsea during his transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023. However, the Blues ultimately outbid their rivals to secure the young winger.
Mudryk’s Mixed Start at Stamford Bridge
Mudryk’s time at Chelsea has been a rollercoaster. He has struggled to secure a regular starting spot due to fierce competition within the squad. While Arsenal brought in Leandro Trossard after missing out on Mudryk, the Belgian hasn’t solidified his place in the starting lineup either.
Financial Fair Play Casts a Shadow
Questions surround Chelsea’s ability to invest heavily in the upcoming transfer window due to Profit and Sustainability Rules (FSR). While Mudryk isn’t necessarily on the chopping block considering the significant investment made in him, Gallas echoes Petit’s belief that the winger would be a good fit for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Former Players See Potential at the Emirates
Gallas, speaking to Gambling Zone, highlighted Mudryk’s compatibility with Arsenal’s style of play: “Mudryk could be a good fit, with his speed and quality and that’s why Arteta likes him. Before he signed for Chelsea, Arsenal nearly signed him but he changed his mind and you cannot forget that.”
Earlier, Petit expressed his opinion to Wettfreunde that Mudryk would have thrived in a more structured environment like Arsenal’s: “There are no guarantees, but the chances would have been greater because the squad there is better structured and there is significantly more stability.”
Should Arsenal Make a Move?
The article concludes by posing a question to the readers: Should Arsenal try to sign Mykhailo Mudryk this summer?
While Mudryk hasn’t yet delivered on Chelsea’s hefty investment (potentially exceeding £80 million with activated clauses), his talent is undeniable. He’s shown glimpses of brilliance, contributing a goal or assist every 142 minutes this season. However, summer arrival Cole Palmer has largely outshined him.
Despite scoring six goals, including one against Newcastle before the international break, Mudryk’s position remains uncertain under manager Mauricio Pochettino, who emphasizes healthy competition within the squad.
Pochettino, after the Newcastle game, acknowledged Mudryk’s impact but stressed the need for him to compete for a starting position: “It was a very good goal… Then he will deserve to (start). It’s more of a question for him than for me.”
Pundit Jamie Carragher remains optimistic about Mudryk’s potential, having witnessed his talent in the Champions League a few years ago. “Hopefully this for him is the start of something,” Carragher said.
