NINE Chelsea signings this season more expensive than Trossard

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 15 Mar 2023 21:05 GMT
• 3 min read

There has been great debate over the past few days over whether Arsenal received a blessing in disguise when their move for Mykhailo Mudryk was hijacked by Chelsea.

Arsenal had been in negotiations to sign Mudryk for months and were expected to complete the deal in the January transfer window.

But the deal was hijacked at the last minute by Chelsea, who completed a transfer worth €100 million.

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As a result, Arsenal moved for Brighton Leandro Trossard, paying €21m plus a potential €6m in add-ons for a player Chelsea had also been previously interested in signing.

Based on the first couple of months at their new clubs, Arsenal got the better end of the stick.

Mudryk has struggled badly at Chelsea so far with just one assist and no goals in all competitions, struggling to even make it into the starting XI.

Trossard, meanwhile, has impressed in his early days at the Emirates. He already has five assists and one goal, and has started four of the Gunners’ last five games. He delivered three assists in one match in the 3-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.

For a quarter of the fee of Mudryk, Arsenal appear to have signed a far more suited and potentially better player.

Chelsea spending spree in 2022-23

And Mudryk is one of nine Chelsea signings this season that cost more than Trossard.

Chelsea broke the world record this season for spending, also signing Enzo Fernandez (€121m), Wesley Fofana (€80m), Marc Cucurella (€65m), Raheem Sterling (€56m), Benoit Badiashile (€38m), Kalidou Koulibaly (€38m), Noni Madueke (€30m) and Malo Gusto (€30m).

Arsenal’s more prudent approach to the transfer market is paying dividends as they are top of the Premier League and in a great position to win their first league title for 19 years.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are struggling down in tenth position and require something of a miracle to even qualify for next season’s Champions League.