Chelsea beat Arsenal to Mykhailo Mudryk signing, presents him to fans

Chelsea has officially announced the signing of Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk after swooping in at the last minute.

The 22-year-old winger signed an 8-year deal with the London club worth €100 million. Sources told ESPN that the package comprises a fixed fee of €70m with a further €30m in add-ons, matching the Ukrainian club’s valuation for the transfer of the 22-year-old.

Mudryk previously indicated Premier League leaders Arsenal, are his preferred destination in a series of social media posts.

Arsenal reportedly made their third offer for Mudryk on Friday, January 13. The bid was believed to comprise around €70m up front with what one source described as “significant add-ons,” although the overall package was still thought to be short of Shakhtar’s €100m valuation.

He looked poised to sign for London rivals Arsenal before a last-minute intervention from Chelsea’s recruitment head Paul Winstanley and co-owner Behdad Eghbali on Saturday, January 14, with the pair flying to Turkey to negotiate the deal.

Chelsea offered Mudryk a better wage package and a longer contract than what Arsenal tabled. Insiders also said the €30m in bonuses involved in the Chelsea deal are easily achievable.

“We are delighted to welcome Mykhailo to Chelsea,” Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman said. Behdad Eghbali, the co-controlling owner, added “He’s 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.”

The 22-year-old was in attendance for Chelsea’s game against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge today, January 15, and he was presented to fans.

Speaking to the club website, Mudryk said;

“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 team-mates and I’m looking forward to working and learning under Graham Potter and his staff.”

The Ukrainian footballer is now the fifth arrival at Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.