Arsenal must avoid Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer repeat as Chelsea plot last-gasp £55m hijack

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Despite vastly outperforming Chelsea last season, Arsenal may now fear that they could suffer a repeat of last year’s Mykhaylo Mudryk saga.

It’s a well-known story, Mikel Arteta was determined to bring Mudryk to the Emirates Stadium, believing he could ignite Arsenal’s title push.

However, Chelsea were ultimately prepared to pay a lot more than their London rivals, securing a big move for the Ukrainian.

Of course, Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard instead – a move that has been hugely successful.

Although Mudryk has struggled at Stamford Bridge, that may have not necessarily been the case under Arteta’s plan.

And despite the 2023/24 season only ending days ago, it seems as if Arsenal could already be at risk of missing out on another target to Chelsea.

Arsenal have reportedly just submitted a bid for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, one below his £55m release clause.

Arsenal tabled an offer of £47m, perhaps believing they could then save funds to strengthen their squad elsewhere.

But with Chelsea now preparing a transfer plan of their own for Sesko – that could be a very risky move.

Arsenal can’t let Chelsea win Benjamin Sesko battle in similar vein to Mykhaylo Mudryk

On the one hand, Arsenal fans will be pleased that the club are seeking value, perhaps saving funds to then sign a central midfielder and a left-back.

But if Chelsea are willing to immediately activate Sesko’s release clause, it sends a clear message to the striker.

READ MORE: Explained: How much Arsenal can actually spend in summer transfer window amid Isak and Sesko links

This new Arsenal set up are incredibly reluctant to involve themselves in bidding wars, perhaps something they learned from the Mudryk disappointment.

And if that is the case, then many fans may be pleading with the club to simply pay the £55m, securing a suitable understudy for Kai Havertz.

Despite how much better Arsenal are performing on the pitch in comparison to Chelsea right now, their west London rivals have considerable financial muscle and pull.

Perhaps Chelsea could lure Sesko with the promise of a starting role, something that he won’t be guaranteed at Arsenal, considering Havertz’s role. 

Arteta and Edu have definitely earned the trust of Arsenal fans by now, and if a move isn’t ultimately concluded then there will be an alternative.

But if Chelsea do succeed ahead of the Gunners, it could be difficult for fans to stomach.

All that being said, it’s now been shared that Arsenal are eyeing a move for a young defender Thierry Henry once called ‘extraordinary’.