Former defender William Gallas has suggested that Mikel Arteta still interested in signing Chelsea Mykhailo Mudryk flopped and tipped Arsenal to win the first division title next season.
After being impressed by the Ukrainian's performances during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, the Gunners showed a strong interest in signing the winger last year and even submitted a formal proposal.
The 23-year-old was interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium, however, the Blues finally pounced and secured his signature ahead of Arsenal with a more lucrative offer.
However, after moving to Stamford Bridge, Mudryk has struggled to thrive in the Premier League this season. Speculation over his future has begun to grow ahead of the summer window and Emmanuel Petit has even suggested that he could make a surprise move to Arsenal.
Now, during an interview (via team talk), Gallas has said that Mikel Arteta remains a fan of Mudryk because of his pace and quality.
Mudryk to Arsenal
The former striker further claims Arsenal will win the title next season and says Mudryk could boost his chances of doing so by moving to the Emirates this summer.
Gallas said:
“I know Emmanuel Petit talked about the possibility of Mudryk joining Arsenal as Arteta likes him. Mudryk could fit in well, with his speed and quality and that is why Arteta likes him. Before signing for Chelsea, Arsenal were on the verge of signing him but he changed his mind and you can't forget that. “I said before that Arsenal will win the title next year, not this year, and if they sign Mudryk that could help them.”
Having spent more than £1 billion in recent years transfer Windows, Chelsea reportedly need to sell some of their star men this summer to stay on the right side of the Premier League's sustainability and profit rules.
Therefore, they might be open to cashing in on Mudryk if they receive a lucrative proposal. The west London club bought Mudryk for a fee of around £86m, but given his recent struggles, they are unlikely to come close to that sum if they sell the striker this summer.
Arsenal could therefore acquire Mudryk for a lower fee if they opt to take a concrete approach in the upcoming transfer window.