Joe Cole names in-form Arsenal star who could be surpassed by Chelsea attacker Mykhailo Mudryk
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has claimed that Blues winger Mykhaylo Mudryk can surpass Arsenal attacker Leandro Trossard in the future.
The Gunners were involved in a transfer battle with the Blues to sign Mudryk in January 2023. But was the Stamford Bridge club who finally secured the Ukrainian youngster's signature for a reported £89 million. The Gunners, meanwhile, struck a cut-price deal to sign Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee of £27 million.
Since joining Mikel Arteta's side, Trossard has scored 15 goals and has provided 12 assists in 63 appearances. He has scored 14 goals and contributed two assists in 41 appearances across competitions this season.
Mudryk, meanwhile, has scored six goals and has provided four assists in 52 appearances for the Blues since his move last year. He has started just 17 of his 35 appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists.
Joe Cole, however, thinks Mudryk can eventually eclipse Tossard's impact as he said (via The Athletic):
"I can see why Arsenal fans think that way now [Trossard is better than Mudryk]. But maybe in the future, they won't. Trossard has done a great job. He was brought in specifically to do what he is doing - but Mudryk could still end up being a better purchase. A lot will depend on how susceptible Mykhaylo is to learning, developing, and getting better."
Cole went on to claim that despite making a massive jump from the Ukrainian League to the Premier League, Mudryk has shown glimpses of his talent. He also pointed out that this is not the best time for anybody to play for Chelsea, given the turbulent spell the club have been going through.
Chelsea star Mykhaylo Mudryk was in tears after failed Arsenal transfer: Reports
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea attacker Mykhaylo Mudryk was devastated after he couldn't complete a move to Arsenal and link up with Mikel Arteta. He reportedly even contacted the north London club while he was on his way to sign for the Blues, as per GiveMeSport.
However, he eventually completed a transfer to the Premier League, joining the Blues. While the Ukrainian is yet to prove his mettle, he has shown flashes of brilliance.
Mauricio Pochettino might now have to rely on the winger as his team take on the Gunners in a Premier League clash at the Emirates on Tuesday, April 23. With Cole Palmer out injured, Mudryk might have to take Chelsea's goalscoring responsibility against Arsenal.