Mykhailo Mudryk made his Emirates Stadium bow on Tuesday night, but not in the way that many would have foreseen just a few months ago. Instead of playing in the red of Arsenal, as had seemed likely going into the January transfer window, the winger came off the substitutes' bench draped in Chelsea blue.
The Ukraine international was of interest to the Gunners, who tabled a few offers to Shakhtar Donetsk, with the youngster seemingly keen on a switch after making the point in several interviews. Fast forward to the end of January and Chelsea had completed a hijack of the move in a deal worth up to £88.5million.
It was a huge shock as he took to the Stamford Bridge pitch to be introduced to the fans in an end to the crazy transfer saga. His move to London hasn't gone to plan so far though as the Blues languish in mid-table in the league, sitting 12th after a number of defeats.
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A lack of clear vision and a team to choose from has meant that Mudryk has been in and out of the side, rarely able to build any momentum. In his appearances so far, the winger has just one assist to his name, underlying Chelsea's wider attacking issues this campaign.
It meant there wasn't much confidence from the west London outfit when they travelled to the north of the City to face Arsenal, who eventually picked them apart in a 3-1 defeat. Mudryk made his appearance in the game from the bench to a chorus of boos, while one fan was later arrested after a laser was pointed in the eyes of the one-time transfer target.
However, the feeling from Arsenal players and staff towards the player aren't quite the same as international teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko has already put the saga behind him. So too has Mikel Arteta it seems as he was seen embracing the forward during the game.
It remains to be seen if Mudryk will fulfill his potential with Chelsea on his long-term deal with the club, during a messy period. However for Arsenal, it's a period that has come and gone, with the current crop of players looking towards the future under Arteta.
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