The Mykhailo Mudryk Arsenal saga has a new twist, and Tottenham fans will not enjoy it. 


Mudryk, now on loan at Spurs, wanted to join Arsenal in January 2023, according to Shakhtar Donetsk director of football Darijo Srna. The winger spoke to Mikel Arteta and liked what he heard. Then money settled it.

What Srna revealed about Mudryk and Arteta

Srna spoke on Denys Boyko's podcast, as translated by The Sun. He led the talks with Chelsea. Shakhtar general director Serhiy Palkin dealt with Arsenal. Srna said Mudryk spoke to Arteta while he himself spoke to the Chelsea coach. At that moment, he believes, the player preferred the Arsenal manager. One point matters here. The claim comes from Srna, not from Mudryk.

Why the Mykhailo Mudryk Arsenal move never happened

The player did not get the final word. Srna said the club decides whether a player is sold. Shakhtar then told Mudryk it had found a common language with Chelsea. He described the choice simply. Go to Chelsea, take an Arsenal offer on the same terms, or stay at Shakhtar.

Chelsea's offer was far better, Srna said, and Shakhtar could not accept less. Arsenal's reported bids were around 52 million pounds and 62 million pounds. Chelsea paid up to 88 million pounds, including 26 million in add-ons.

Arsenal moved on with Trossard

Arsenal did not sulk. They signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton instead. ArsenalNews.co.uk puts his tally at 70 goal contributions in 170 appearances. It also calls him a key part of the season that ended the club's 22-year wait for the Premier League title. Sliding doors, indeed.

 Where Mudryk stands now

Mudryk played 73 times for Chelsea before a long absence. His anti-doping case was resolved this summer, and he joined Tottenham on loan on deadline day. Football Today reports a season-long deal with a 75 million pound option to buy.

He made his debut in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest. Then he hurt his ankle in training and faces several weeks out. That is a rough start.

For Arsenal supporters, it is a curious footnote to a transfer they wanted badly.