Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has boldly claimed the Blues rule London.
The Ukraine international completed a sensational switch to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window for a fee that could reach €100m.
Despite heading to Chelsea, Mudryk had long been linked with a move to Arsenal. The 22-year-old made clear his desire to join the Gunners, while he continually dropped hints on social media suggesting his heart lied at the Emirates Stadium.
But Arsenal’s offer to Shakhtar Donetsk was blown out of the water by Chelsea’s. Mudryk has played seven times for the Blues since his winter transfer, but is yet to score and has only registered one assist.
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In an interview with Sky Sports ahead of Ukraine’s Euro 2024 qualifier with England on Sunday, Mudryk revealed international teammate and Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko has been helping him adjust to life in London.
“He helped me a lot. I like him so much. We often joke about Arsenal, Chelsea and what colour London is,” Mudryk said.
“But I like this guy, he is a very funny and very kind guy. We spend time always [together] in a positive way.”
When pressed for an answer on what colour London is, Mudryk simply replied: “Blue.”
It is common knowledge that Mudryk was one of Arsenal’s primary targets for the winter transfer window and that the Ukrainian was intent on signing with the Gunners.
90min reported back in January Mudryk had made clear to Shakhtar Donetsk officials he wanted them to accept an offer from Arsenal.
Shakhtar were holding out for a fee in excess of €70m and repeatedly pointed to the €95m paid by Manchester United to Ajax for Antony as the market rate for a promising winger.
Eventually, Chelsea sent a delegation team to Shakhtar’s mid-season training camp to thrash out a deal from under Arsenal’s noses, completing the signing of Mudryk midway through the window.
Arsenal then turned to Brighton forward Leandro Trossard, who has since become a key member of the Gunners’ attack.
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On this edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth discuss the race to sign Jude Bellingham, Antonio Conte’s Tottenham future, Roy Hodgson’s return to Crystal Palace, Erling Haaland’s contract, Mason Mount & more!
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