Mykhailo Mudryk’s faltering career at Chelsea has reignited debate among Arsenal fans about whether his fortunes would have been different had he joined the Gunners instead.
Once viewed as a generational talent, Mudryk’s £89m move to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 has been marked by underperformance, off-pitch issues, and now, a provisional suspension for a failed drugs test.
Arsenal supporters are left pondering whether Mikel Arteta’s structured environment might have provided the stability Mudryk has sorely lacked.
Mudryk’s situation is complicated. Despite flashes of brilliance, such as his goal against Newcastle and a stunning Europa Conference League strike, his inconsistency and seemingly limited football intelligence have frustrated Chelsea’s coaching staff.
Comparisons with Arsenal’s January 2023 signing, Leandro Trossard, underscore the difference in trajectories. While Mudryk has managed just 19 goal contributions in nearly two years, Trossard, signed after Chelsea gazumped Arsenal’s move for the Ukrainian, has delivered 36 goals and assists for the Gunners, becoming a key figure in Arteta’s system.
Supporters suggest Arsenal’s culture of development could have better nurtured Mudryk’s talent. Some point to the presence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, a fellow Ukrainian, as a factor that might have eased his transition to the Premier League. One fan remarked, “Just having Zinchenko to lean on would have helped a ton.”
Others, however, argue that the mental challenges associated with a high transfer fee and intense scrutiny might have affected Mudryk regardless of the club. “Pepe was a better player and more sure thing than Mudryk ever was, and he struggled massively with the overinflated price tag,” another fan commented, drawing parallels to Nicolas Pépé’s own struggles at Arsenal. “I don’t think clubs can protect players from that media/fan pressure associated with big costs. You either rise to it or crumble, regardless of the club that signs you”
The question also arises of whether Mudryk would have risen to Arteta’s high standards. While Arteta has a reputation for improving players, Mudryk’s reported immaturity and inability to adapt at Chelsea raise doubts about his readiness for Arsenal’s demanding tactical structure. “Ultimately, it’s up to the player to rise to the demands, and I think he is missing something mentality-wise,” noted one supporter.
Mudryk himself is said to have been devastated when Arsenal refused to match Chelsea’s bid, reportedly calling the Gunners in tears. Yet, the move to Chelsea placed him in an unstable environment with frequent managerial changes and a squad in flux. Some believe that Arsenal’s stability might have allowed Mudryk to flourish, while others feel his struggles may have been inevitable.
As Mudryk’s future hangs in the balance, Arsenal fans are left with a sense of “what might have been.” His talent is undeniable, but whether it would have thrived in north London remains a question that will fuel debate for years to come.
For now, Arsenal can be thankful for the consistent contributions of Trossard, who has proven to be a far more dependable investment for a fraction of the price.