Mudryk offer proves Arsenal could MISS OUT on key transfer target

James Shearman

• Updated: 25 May 2023 17:08 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal's negotiations for Mykhailo Mudryk indicate that they could miss out on more of their top transfer targets in the future.

The Gunners were desperate to sign Mudryk from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in January but were outbid by Chelsea.

The Blues were willing to pay a reported £5 million more than their London rivals, which sealed the deal.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal boss Arteta set to be handed £200m summer transfer war chest

Now, Arsenal's stubbornness could see them miss out on West Ham star Declan Rice in the summer.

According to Daily Mail reporter Sami Mokbel, the north London club's valuation of Rice is over £10m less than The Hammers'.

Should they refuse to meet the demands of the selling club, as they did with Mudryk, they risk losing out on Rice to another of Europe's top clubs.

Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, again, have all been linked with the England international.

Did Arsenal make mistake with Mudryk?

While Arsenal fans were majorly disappointed to miss out on Mudryk, especially to a rival, it has not turned out too bad at all.

Instead of the Ukrainian, who has struggled so far at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners brought in Leandro Trossard from Brighton.

A 28-year-old with years of Premier League experience, Trossard improved Arsenal from the minute he arrived at the Emirates Stadium.

Even though Mikel Arteta's side ultimately fell apart in the title race with Manchester City, the Belgian certainly helped to prolong the battle.

He registered an impressive goal and eight assists in 9 league starts and 10 substitute appearances.

And while Mudryk, at 22 years of age, has the time to develop into an outstanding player, signing Trossard for around a third of the price appears to have been a smart decision.