LONDON, ENGLAND — Shakhtar Donetsk director of football Darijo Srna has revealed that Mykhailo Mudryk wanted to join Arsenal over Chelsea, shedding new light on one of the most dramatic transfer sagas in recent Premier League history.
Chelsea swooped to beat their London rivals to a deal for the Ukrainian winger in January 2023, agreeing a transfer with Shakhtar Donetsk worth up to £89 million. That was after Arsenal had initially looked in pole position to complete a move for Mudryk, with the Gunners reportedly confident of securing his signature.
Speaking in an interview, Srna disclosed that Mudryk had spoken directly with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and appeared to favour a move to the Emirates Stadium. “Misha talked to Arteta. I talked to the Chelsea coach. And, probably, at that moment he liked Arteta more,” Srna said.
However, Srna explained that the decision ultimately rested with Shakhtar, who had found common ground with Chelsea on the transfer terms. The Ukrainian club informed Mudryk that a deal had been agreed with the Blues, leaving him to choose between moving to Chelsea, waiting for Arsenal to match the conditions, or staying at Shakhtar.
“But it is the club that decides whether to sell a player or not. We told him that the club has found a common language with Chelsea,” Srna stated. “And then you decide for yourself: do you want to move or not? Either you go to Chelsea, or Arsenal offers the same conditions, or you stay at Shakhtar.”
In the end, Mudryk chose Chelsea, signing a long-term contract and completing a move that made him one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history. The transfer was seen as a major coup for Chelsea, who had acted swiftly to secure the highly-rated winger ahead of their rivals.
Mudryk’s time at Chelsea has been mixed. The winger has shown flashes of his immense talent but has struggled for consistency in a Chelsea side that has undergone significant upheaval since his arrival. He is currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, where he is hoping to rediscover his best form and reignite his career.
The revelation from Srna adds another layer to the story of Mudryk’s transfer and highlights the complex dynamics involved in high-profile deals. While players may have preferences, the clubs ultimately hold the cards in transfer negotiations, and financial considerations often take precedence over a player’s desired destination.
For Arsenal, the failure to sign Mudryk was a setback, but the club has since moved on and built a squad capable of competing for major honours. Under Arteta, the Gunners have become genuine title contenders, and their recruitment strategy has evolved to focus on players who fit the manager’s system and philosophy. Mudryk, meanwhile, continues his journey at Tottenham, hoping to fulfil the potential that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents just a few years ago.
The transfer saga serves as a reminder of the fine margins that often decide the biggest deals in football. A player’s preference, a club’s negotiating position, and the willingness to meet financial demands can all influence the final outcome. For Mudryk, the move to Chelsea may not have been his first choice, but it represented a significant step in his career, and he will be determined to make the most of the opportunity as he seeks to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s top wingers.
