Mykhailo Mudryk wanted to join Arsenal before eventually completing his move to Chelsea, according to Shakhtar Donetsk director of football Darijo Srna.
Mudryk was one of the most talked-about young attackers in Europe during the 2022/23 season, and both Arsenal and Chelsea were determined to sign him when the January 2023 transfer window opened.
For a while, Arsenal appeared to be his preferred destination. The Ukrainian winger had reportedly been impressed by Mikel Arteta and the project being built at the Emirates.
However, Chelsea eventually won the race after agreeing a deal with Shakhtar that could reach £88 million, including around £26 million in performance-related add-ons.
Srna, who was directly involved in negotiations with Chelsea, has now revealed that Mudryk himself initially favoured Arsenal.
According to the Shakhtar chief, Mudryk had spoken with Arteta and appeared more attracted to what Arsenal were offering at the time.
“Misha talked to Arteta. I talked to the Chelsea coach. And, probably, at that moment he liked Arteta more.”
But there was one major problem for Arsenal: Chelsea were prepared to put more money on the table.
Srna explained that Shakhtar had reached an agreement with Chelsea and made it clear to Mudryk that the final decision was ultimately his.
He said the Ukrainian had three options — accept Chelsea’s move, wait for Arsenal to match Chelsea’s offer, or remain at Shakhtar.
The problem for Arsenal was that they were unable to match Chelsea financially.
Srna also explained that he was mainly dealing with Chelsea during the negotiations, while Shakhtar general director Serhiy Palkin handled discussions with Arsenal.
“Chelsea generally made a much better offer to Shakhtar than Arsenal.”
That difference ultimately proved decisive.
Chelsea completed the signing despite Arsenal’s strong interest, leaving many Gunners supporters frustrated after believing Mudryk was heading to north London.
The transfer became even more controversial when Mudryk later faced Arsenal and a supporter was arrested for shining a laser at the winger.
Things did not exactly go according to plan for Mudryk at Chelsea either.
The Ukrainian struggled to consistently produce his best football at Stamford Bridge, with his finishing, decision-making and lack of end product regularly becoming talking points among supporters.
His situation became even more complicated in December 2024 when he was suspended after meldonium, a prohibited substance, was found in a sample taken while he was on international duty with Ukraine.
Mudryk later successfully appealed the four-year doping ban and returned to football, but his time at Chelsea had already taken another difficult turn.
This summer, he moved to Tottenham on loan as he looks to rebuild his career.
Mudryk made his Spurs debut in the 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest earlier this month, but his return to action was short-lived.
The 25-year-old suffered an injury during training and could now be sidelined for several weeks.
Tottenham do have an option to sign him permanently for £75 million, meaning his future could once again become a major talking point if he can stay fit and rediscover the form that made Arsenal and Chelsea fight so hard for his signature.
For Arsenal supporters, however, Srna’s revelation adds another layer to what remains one of the most memorable transfer battles of recent years.
Mudryk wanted Arsenal.
Chelsea wanted Mudryk.
And in the end, the bigger offer decided where he would play.
Leave a Reply