Nigeria
Oleksandr Zinchenko advises Ukrainian teammate to focus on Chelsea after failed Arsenal transfer
What happened?
Mykhailo Mudryk looked set to join Arsenal in January, but Chelsea made a last-minute deal worth £88.5m with Shakhtar Donetsk to secure the winger’s signature. Mudryk had previously expressed his desire to join Arsenal and play alongside fellow Ukrainian and national team captain Oleksandr Zinchenko.
What they said:
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Zinchenko revealed that he had spoken to Mudryk about the failed transfer. Zinchenko told Mudryk to forget about the past and focus on his future at Chelsea. “Now you’re a Chelsea player, you signed a long-term contract and you have only one option, only one way: direct and forward. Unfortunately he didn’t become an Arsenal player – as I wanted personally! – but it’s life.”
The bigger picture:
Mudryk has had a slow start at Chelsea, failing to find the net in seven appearances for the team. He has made only three Premier League starts, despite having scored 10 goals for Shakhtar earlier in the season.
What next for Mudryk?
Mudryk and Zinchenko could both feature in Ukraine’s Euro 2024 qualifier against England on Sunday. Mudryk will then hope to be involved in Chelsea’s first game following the international break, against Aston Villa on April 1.
Credit: https://www.goal.com/en-cm/news/oleksandr-zinchenko-mykhailo-mudryk-sign-chelsea-arsenal/bltd12338b9d7b197eb
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