Arsenal missed out on the chance to sign Mykhailo Mudryk in 2023
Mykhailo Mudryk in the match between Nottingham Forest FC and Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground. Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Mykhailo Mudryk in the match between Nottingham Forest FC and Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground. Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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Shakhtar Donetsk director Darijo Srna has revealed that Mykhailo Mudryk wanted to sign for Arsenal in 2023. Chelsea won the race to sign the Ukrainian and beat their London rivals to his signature in a deal worth up to £88million.
However, three years on, it has emerged that Mudryk had been wowed by the Gunners' boss Mikel Arteta, and had intentions of joining the north London club. But Shakhtar opted to agree a deal with the Blues instead, denying the winger his preferred move.
Chelsea's battle to win the race was seen as a landmark deal after beating their London rivals. It has now emerged how they did so, seemingly against Mudryk's wishes.
Srna said: "Misha talked to Arteta. I talked to the Chelsea coach. And, probably, at that moment he liked Arteta more.
"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."
The 25-year-old failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge, scoring 10 goals in 73 appearances in all competitions.
He moved to Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan deal this summer, which includes a £75million buy option. Mudryk had been on the sidelines since 2004 after returning an 'adverse finding' in a drugs test.
The 25-year-old maintained his innocence throughout, stating he had "never knowingly or intentionally taken any banned substance".
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A resolution was reached with the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Football Association to clear him to return after he accepted breaking anti-doping rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the time already served.
After signing for Spurs, he said: "It's a great feeling and I can't wait to start training and playing for the club.
"I'm a player who brings speed and creativity, and I want to help in both the offensive and defensive areas. I want to make the fans excited.
"I can see it's a strong squad here with good players, and I'm looking forward to sharing a pitch and special moments with them."
Mudryk made his debut in the draw with Nottingham Forest, his first competitive match since 2024. However, he has subsequently been sidelined after picking up an ankle injury.