According to Fabrizio Romano, the Chelsea board have arrived in Poland and quickly agreed a fee of £88 million to Hijack Arsenal’s pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk attacker Mykhailo Mudryk. Arsenal were thought to be in pole position to sign the Ukrainian international, but the Stamford Bridge club now seem set to win the race for the 22-year-old, with a fee agreed for the attacker described as the “the best player in Europe in his position.”
Chelsea Set to Hijack Arsenals Pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk
Exclusive: Chelsea have reached an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for Mudryk. €100m fee agreed between parties today after mission. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Chelsea now pushing on player side — as Mudryk priority has always been Arsenal.#AFC bid remains €95m add ons included. pic.twitter.com/PoIddYaARC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 14, 2023
Chelsea Agree Deal for Mudryk
With Mudryk reportedly set to favour a move to Arsenal, it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that the Ukrainian attacker would join the Premier League leaders. However, Todd Boehly appears ready to open the Chelsea transfer war chest as the club have now agreed a deal with Shakhtar Donetsk for their in-demand attacker. The official statement from the Ukrainian team regarding the transfer came from the club’s president Rinat Akhmetov: “Parties are very close to agree on player’s transfer to the club”.
Chelsea are now pushing on a long-term deal for Mudryk after agreeing the transfer fee. Romano also reports that the player will fly to London in the coming hours to finalise the transfer and complete his medical. It has been reported the Ukrainian was set to make £127k a week at Arsenal. It can be expected a similar salary will be on offer from Chelsea.
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What Mudryk Can Bring to Chelsea
Mudryk will bring a dynamic edge to the Chelsea attack, which has been severely lacking thus far. The west London club have struggled to break many teams down and have lacked a cutting edge. The Ukrainian attacker has devastating switch speed, where he can go from slow to fast, leaving the opposition floundering.
While carrying the ball, he is brilliant at changing direction and has superb balance, which enables him to take on opposition players with ease. He is adept at breaking the lines with devastating runs off the ball, making him a more than a useful outlet for his teammates.
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Mudryk will offer Chelsea devastating width, where he will stay wide and beat opposition full-backs down the touchline with his impressive pace, which is something they have lacked this season.
Potter may be feeling the pressure at Stamford Bridge, but the board seemingly look ready to back him at every turn.