Shakhtar Donetsk chief finally reveals why Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea instead of Arsenal in £88m January transfer

MYKHAILO MUDRYK has been backed to be one of the best players in the Premier League despite his slow start at Chelsea.

The Blues forked out a staggering £88million to land the winger, 22, from Shakhtar Donestk ahead of London rivals Arsenal during the January window.

Mykhailo Mudryk is yet to fully settle at ChelseaRex

But despite a dazzling debut from the bench at Liverpool, the Ukraine international is yet to register a goal or assist in a Chelsea shirt as Graham Potter struggles to settle his side after a frantic transfer window.

Despite their troubles, Shakhtar sporting director, Darijo Srna, who was instrumental in the deal to bring Mudryk to the Premier League, says he can still bring a lot of joy to Chelsea fans.

Speaking to the Football Ramble, he said: “Don’t worry about Mykhailo Mudryk, you will enjoy watching him. His first game against Liverpool, this is 35 per cent of Mudryk, believe me.

“Chelsea is not in a good mood, they are not playing amazing football and don’t have good results but they have a lot of players and need time.

“Mykhailo will be okay, don’t worry. Mykhailo will bring a lot of happiness to Chelsea fans.

“Chelsea now is not in a good mood and Mykhailo as well but Mykhailo has all the quality to be one of the best players in the Premier League in the next two years.

“Mudryk is one of the best three players in his position in Europe.

“After Kilyan Mbappe and Vinicius Jr it is Mudryk.”

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Mudryk made a very public push to join Arsenal during the January window, though the Gunners – who saw a number of bids rejected – refused to match Shakhtar’s asking price.

And Srna says it was a simple decision for the winger once a deal had been agreed.

Srna added: “Regarding the transfer proposal, the price was €100million (£88m), €70million plus €30million.

“Arsenal were in love with Mudryk, but Chelsea were more concrete and were more ready to buy him.

“With respect to Arsenal, in the end it was the decision of Mudryk because Chelsea paid what we wanted and we made an agreement with Chelsea he said he wants to go to Chelsea, it’s simple.”