Shakhtar Donetsk Sporting Director Darijo Srna has confirmed that Mykhailo Mudryk chose Chelsea over Arsenal, rather than the transfer being at the behest of his club. Murdyk was Chelsea's fifth signing during the January transfer window as they completed a deal worth an initial £62million that could rise close to £90million in add-ons.
The Gunners were involved in negotiations with Shakhtar and were reluctant to pay the asking price the club demanded for Mudryk. Sensing an opportunity Chelsea, led by Behdad Eghbali and Paul Winstanley, completed a whirlwind transfer. In the end, the Blues provided Mudryk with an opportunity Arsenal could not and satisfied the terms the 22-year-old hoped for.
Upon completing his tranfser, Mudryk referenced Chelsea's project as an appealing factor of the move and it appears their conviction to do deal the deal proved persuasive, despite the players very public interest in moving to the Emirates. Mudryk's former boss said it was a simple decision for the Shaktar academy product.
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Speaking to Football Ramble, Srna said: "Regarding the transfer proposal, the price was €100m (£89m), €70m plus €30m. Arsenal were in love with Mudryk, but Chelsea were more concrete and were more ready to buy him. With respect to Arsenal, in the end it was the decision of Mudryk because Chelsea paid him what he wants and he said he wants to go to Chelsea, it’s simple."
Mudryk made an exhilirating first impression in a cameo against Liverpool as he ensured James Milner had a torrid time in the latter stages of the Anfield clash. However, despite some explosive flashes since, he has yet to contribute to a goal in his first five outings as the Blues have struggled to find the net.
Srna has no doubt that Mudryk will come good, however, and believes that both Chelsea and the winger require time to adjust following a busy January. Mudryk had recorded seven goals and six assists in 12 league matches and netted three goals and two assists in the Champions League before arriving at Stamford Bridge. Those stats leaves the Shakhtar director with no concern.
Srna added: “Don’t worry about Mudryk, you will enjoy watching him. This is 35% of Mudryk, he is not playing well. The coach at Chelsea now is not in a good mood and they’re not playing well, but they need time. Mudryk will be ok, don’t worry.”
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