How Chelsea will line up with Mudryk

Cameron Smith

• 15 Jan 2023 14:33 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea have completed one of the most spectacular transfer hijacks ever by beating Arsenal to the €100 million signing of Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Gunners failed to meet Shakhtar’s demands over the player and he has now joined their London rivals.

The transfer became official on Sunday during Chelsea's game against Crystal Palace, with Mudryk signing a contract until June 20230.

READ: Enzo for €127m, Mudryk for €100m - Todd Boehly is playing Football Manager with Chelsea

So how might the player fit into the plans of Graham Potter?

MORE: Graham Potter needs more time at Chelsea - here's why

Mudryk at Chelsea - how he fits in

Edouard Mendy has fallen out of favour under Potter, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, the world's most expensive goalkeeper, the man preferred in between the sticks.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell have seldom been fit enough to start many games together, but they remain the first-choice full-back pairing at Stamford Bridge. Wesley Fofana has also had his injury woes, but he cost €80m and will start alongside Thiago Silva when he's returned to full fitness.

Mateo Kovacic faces a battle with Jorginho to start in midfield, with Mason Mount and likely incoming Enzo Fernandez completing the trio in the middle of the park.

Raheem Sterling will keep his place on the right flank, while Mudryk would replace Christian Pulisic in the starting XI. Kai Havertz will lead the line, although Chelsea could very well sign a natural number nine before the end of January.