Arteta could be faced with Mudryk repeat at Arsenal after Chelsea transfer update

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal have a number of transfer targets in mind ahead of the summer window, but securing their desired players may not be easy.

Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have an excellent track record when it comes to the transfer market, but they have also been dealt several blows in the past as key targets moved elsewhere.

Raphinha joined Barcelona despite Arsenal interest when he was at Leeds United, whilst Lisandro Martinez joined Manchester United even after the Gunners bid for the Ajax defender.

However, the most notable transfer blow came when Arsenal were close to agreeing a deal for Shakhtar winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in January last year, only for Chelsea to swoop in and steal him from right under Arteta’s nose.

Mudryk was reportedly more keen on joining Arsenal, and his struggles at Chelsea may have shown that this was in fact a dodged bullet, but at the time, it was a disaster that a long-term target had been stolen at the last second after months of negotiations, and there is now danger that the same could happen this summer.

Chelsea are now tracking four Arsenal transfer targets

The Guardian have now reported that Chelsea are tracking Nico Williams, Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer window, and all four attackers have also been linked with Arsenal.

Arteta is seemingly keen on a winger and a striker, with Williams a key target given his £43m release clause and his impressive performances for Athletic Bilbao, helping them reach the Copa Del Rey final.

Gyokeres is one of Europe’s top goal and assist providers this season, and whilst his £86m release clause may be steep, he could be seen as the ideal complete forward to add more firepower to this Arsenal side.

Sesko recently impressed against Real Madrid in the Champions League, and whilst he is raw, his £43m release clause may make him a worthwhile gamble.

Osimhen has been coveted by a number of clubs, and is one of the best strikers in the world, but the Napoli forward comes with a huge price tag and a questionable injury record.

Should Arsenal be worried about Chelsea in the transfer market?

Chelsea are currently languishing in mid-table again, and as it stands, look set to miss out on European football for another year.

Financially, they have just posted huge losses after windows of heavy spending, whilst most of their signings have struggled at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal are the more attractive destination given their quality and their potential to compete in the title race and Champions League next season, and if the same monetary offer is available to a player to join both clubs, Arteta will likely get his man.

However, the Mudryk situation showed that there is plenty more to transfers than meets the eye, and Arsenal should be wary that if they move for a target, they may still face competition from their London rivals.