“Not going to blame him”- Premier League legend defends Chelsea star for rival snub

Legendary striker Ian Wright defends Mykhailo Mudryk for choosing Chelsea over Arsenal

Speaking to Arsecast Podcast (h/t Metro), legendary Arsenal striker Ian Wright defends Mykhailo Mudryk for snubbing the Gunners and choosing to sign for Chelsea.

Arsenal was strongly linked with a move to sign Mudryk, but Chelsea came along and did a job over their London rivals. The Ukraine international signed for the Blues for a deal worth around £88.5m.

The league leaders did not stop though and signed Brighton and Hove Albion forward Leandro Trossard. The Belgian international was vehemently linked with Chelsea ever since Graham Potter was appointed as the manager.

Here’s what Wright said regarding Mudryk’s move to Stamford Bridge (h/t Metro):

“With Mudryk I was very excited about that. With the money it started to get into the realm where it could knock us off our axes in terms of what we’re trying to do.

“He looks like the kind of guy that would fit into our group. I was a bit disappointed but not disappointed that Arsenal went ‘that’s fine.

“He’s gone there for money, I’m not going to blame him because he’s someone who has had a lot more going on around him personally and in his life.”

It is quite a sensible approach by a former Arsenal striker to not bash the player and understand the situation around him. There has been a report that part of Mudryk’s fee (£20m) was donated to the Ukraine soldiers fighting the war.

The 22-year-old himself must not have been going through a rosy period with the war situation, and hence opted to move where the money was.

But, with what we saw from the former Shakhtar Donetsk winger during his debut against Liverpool at Anfield, he could be worth the big money spent. He showed great dribbling skills, an electric pace and a good presence around the opposition box.

Mudryk is someone who has the qualities to win games for Chelsea all by himself. Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist was in awe of the youngster’s debut performance and backed him to do the business at Stamford Bridge.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea expect Reece James to return to action against Fulham
• Chelsea new signing Mykhailo Mudryk backed to surpass Eden Hazard after exciting debut
• Chelsea set to step up pursuit of Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries

If he carries on the good work, we could see him being the difference-maker from now till the end of this season and beyond. Potter needs to make sure the player is operating in his best position at all times.