Ian Wright says it’s a ‘shame about Mudryk’ going to Chelsea, but he backed Arsenal to secure the transfer of Barcelona forward Raphinha in January instead.
The Highbury legend praised Arsenal for not going ‘off plan’ by signing Mykhailo Mudryk and added that he wishes the Ukraine star ‘good luck’ at Chelsea.
For a number of weeks, Mikel Arteta’s side were keen to sign the 22-year-old, he would even send hint after hint on social media that he wanted to join the Premier League leaders.
But those in the Emirates boardroom didn’t put down the £89 million offered by their London rivals (BBC Sport), who under the ownership of Todd Boehly, have now spent nearly half a billion since he replaced Roman Abramovich.
Yes, the Gunners, who beat Tottenham in their own backyard on Sunday, are eight-points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
But they still need another attacking option because Gabriel Jesus is out for the long-term, words which were echoed by Ian Wright who is backing the idea of Barcelona star Raphinha joining, as he told Premier League Productions (15/01/23 at 7:05 pm).
“Absolutely they do (need another body in this month),” said Wright. “It’s a shame about Mudryk. Good luck to him. You hope that it goes well for him.
“It wasn’t quite working out for Arsenal simply because they (Chelsea) went to a level Arsenal couldn’t reach and Chelsea can, so they move again.
“There’s talk about Raphinha. That would be great. He has played in the Premier League. I think what it doesn’t do, it doesn’t stop what’s happening now.
“What I am really pleased about with Arsenal is that they’ve not, through the fact that they wanted a player that could come in by changing and helping the group, that you go overboard to try and get him, which may mess the group up. To bring somebody in for the money he might be on. For the amount you are paying for it. It’s going off plan. Don’t go off plan because, at the moment, everything is running smoothly, so stay doing what you are doing.”
RAPHINHA WOULD BE A BETTER OPTION THAN MUDRYK
In terms of the two, the former Leeds United star would be a better fit than Mudryk because the 26-year-old is more proven than the new Chelsea signing.
From his performances when Leeds survived relegation last season, to the start he has made on the international stage with Brazil.
The only issue is that he is better suited to play on the right than the left, although, given Leeds’ troubles last season, there were occasions where he was used down the middle.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
