Mykhailo Mudryk arrived in England with a big price tag and a big reputation. So far he has failed to live up to either.
The Ukrainian was a January 2023 arrival at Chelsea, with the Blues splashing out a transfer fee that could rise to £88million for the forward. That was after he had looked set to join Arsenal.
The Gunners were heavily linked with the frontman and Mudryk wanted the deal, but late in the day Chelsea came in and blew Arsenal out of the water with their offer and Mudryk signed in west London instead.
In just under two seasons though, he has mustered 2,315 minutes of Premier League action - only 81 of those coming under Enzo Maresca this year - which equates to just under 26 full matches. He has five goals and four assist in that period.
He has not hit the heights that were expected of an £88million signing and Shakhtar Donetsk managing director Sergiy Palkin lays the blame firmly at Chelsea's door.
Mudryk was in the crowd at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal beat his former club in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Palkin was asked about the transfer ahead of the match in north London.
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He said: "We sold Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea for €70million plus €30million in bonuses. That was the biggest deal in Ukrainian history.
"You don't need a Ferrari if you don't know how to drive it. A normal car will do. If you buy a Ferrari, you should learn how to drive it.
"That's my opinion of Mudryk at Chelsea. I'm sure he will show his qualities if he gets the chance. He is a real difference maker, and you can see that in his appearances for the Ukrainian national team. There are very few players in that category."
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