Mudryk's first words as a Chelsea player

The 22-year-old has signed an eight-and-a-half year deal at Stamford Bridge. A long-term target for the Gunners, Mudryk looked set to join the Premier League leaders but Arsenal refused to match Shakhtar's 100 million euro valuation.

Chelsea had no such reservations as another huge deal takes their spending on transfers in the first season under the ownership of Todd Boehly's consortium above 400 million euros.

"We are delighted to welcome Mykhailo to Chelsea. He is a hugely exciting talent who we believe will be a terrific addition to our squad both now and in the years to come. He will add further depth to our attack and we know he'll get a very warm welcome to London," said Boehly and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali in a club statement.

Mudryk was in attendance at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's clash against Crystal Palace. He scored 12 goals in just 44 first team appearances for Shakhtar, including three in the group stages of this season's Champions League.

"I'm so happy to sign for Chelsea. This is a huge club, in a fantastic league and it is a very attractive project for me at this stage of my career. I'm excited to meet my new teammates and I'm looking forward to working and learning under Graham Potter and his staff," said Mudryk.

Potter is under huge pressure to turn Chelsea's investment into results on the pitch after a run of six defeats in eight games. The London side have already added Benoit Badiashile, David Fofana, Andrey Santos and the loan signing of Joao Felix in the January window.

In a statement, Shakhtar confirmed the deal is a record sale for a Ukrainian club.

"I have mixed feelings: in order to win European trophies, I should invite such footballers as Mudryk to our club, to our Ukrainian league and not send them to the best championships and the best clubs in the world. However, I am sure that Mykhailo will win respect, sympathy and love of all connoisseurs of world football with his speed, his technique, his impressive and beautiful play," said Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov.

 

January 15, 2023