Chelsea confirmed a deal to sign Mikhaylo Mudryk was in place on Saturday evening, with the Londoners beating Arsenal to the signing of the 22-year-old Ukrainian winger.
Arsenal were clear favourites to sign the Shakhtar Donetsk man before Chelsea hijacked the move, adding the exciting young Ukrainian to their ranks in a move which is expected to be finalised in the coming days. The deal is expected to be in the region of £88 million and he is expected to be confirmed as a Chelsea player before their fixture against Crystal Palace tomorrow.
Chelsea announced that the deal was close to completion by adding Mudryk's Instagram handle to their own bio section on the platform before releasing a statement. The statement read: "Chelsea are discussing terms with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of Mykhailo Mudryk. Should a deal be agreed between the two clubs then the Ukrainian international, who can operate as a winger or a forward, will discuss personal terms with the Blues ahead of a permanent transfer."
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Mudryk will not be ready to start that match, but could be in the squad as Chelsea travel to Anfield to face Liverpool next weekend in what looks to be an increasingly important Premier League fixture. Both sides are underperforming in the league, with Chelsea tenth, three points behind Liverpool in ninth place.
A win for the Blues could take them above Jurgen Klopp's side on goal difference, with at least a four goal win enough to take Graham Potter's side ahead. They had been expected to be light on attacking players for the fixture, with Joao Felix's suspension added to injuries to Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic.
However, the signing of Mudryk continues Todd Boehly's transfer dealings this season and takes their total spending above £400 million for the campaign. This is in stark contrast to Liverpool, who have spent just £120 million and demonstrates the differing approaches between Chelsea's new American ownership and the outgoing Fenway Sports Group at Liverpool.
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