‘Talked to Arteta’: Sporting director confirms £89m star wanted to join Arsenal before Chelsea move

Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director Darijo Srna has confirmed that winger Mykhailo Mudryk spoke with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta prior to his transfer to Chelsea in January 2023. According to Srna, Mudryk liked Arteta, but Arsenal failed to match Chelsea's superior transfer offer. Shakhtar ultimately accepted Chelsea's bid, leaving Mudryk to choose between moving to Stamford Bridge or remaining with the Ukrainian club.

Chelsea secured Mudryk in a permanent transfer deal worth £89 million, while Arsenal pivoted to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion. Trossard became a key figure in Arsenal's recent Premier League title success. Meanwhile, Mudryk has since moved to Tottenham Hotspur on loan, where he is currently recovering from an ankle injury.