How Chelsea’s transfer hijack made Arsenal stronger

Nearly three years later, this twist has proven to be a blessing, with Léandro TrossardChelsea’s impact continues to highlight just how costly Chelsea’s gamble was.

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When Chelsea diverted Arsenal move to Mykhailo Mudryk in January 2023, there was a brief feeling of frustration.

The club had invested time and effort, only to be outbid at the last moment. Yet, like the old parable of the farmer and the horse, what seems like misfortune at the time can turn out to be fortune in disguise.

In the story, a farmer’s horse runs away and neighbors rush to commiserate. “Bad luck,” they say. “Perhaps,” replies the farmer. The following week, the horse returns with a herd of wild horses. “Good luck!” the neighbors shout. “Perhaps,” the farmer replies again. Shortly after, the farmer’s son breaks his leg while taming one of them. “Terrible luck,” say the neighbors. “Maybe,” said the farmer. And when war breaks out, the injured son is not sent to the front.

Arsenal’s ‘lost’ signing followed suit.

Mudryk had made little effort to hide his desire to join Arsenal. The club’s final offer to Shakhtar Donetsk was worth around £70 million with the additions, but Chelsea stepped in late, offering more money up front and a structure favored by Shakhtar as well as a seven-year deal for the player Arsenal wouldn’t match.

An £89m deal was agreed within days. Arsenal walked away, disappointed but determined to find a player for the job. Mudryk reportedly cried when saying he wouldn’t go to Arsenal.

The Gunners moved immediately to Léandro Trossardwhose situation in Brighton had deteriorated under Roberto DeZerbidespite five goals and one assist in 11 appearances after replacing coach Graham Potter.

Signed for £21 million just five days after Mudryk signed for Chelsea, Trossard arrived with Premier League experience, no need for adaptation and the quiet confidence of a mature player who knew exactly what he was doing.

Since then, the Belgian has been everything Arsenal needed.

His decisive goal at Craven Cottage this weekend, an instinctive finish from a Bukayo Saka corner after a Gabriel flick, was his 31st for the club in all competitions, with 25 assists, in 133 appearances. Three more important points won.

This season, Trossard is averaging a goal every 97 minutes and is Arsenal’s top scorer. Its reliability has proven invaluable for Mikel Artetaproviding composure wherever he is deployed, whether on the left wing, center forward, attacking midfielder or as a second striker.

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In contrast, Mudryk’s career at Stamford Bridge took a dizzying turn. The 24-year-old has produced just 10 goals and 11 assists in 73 matches and has not played since late 2024 after testing positive for meldonium, a performance-enhancing substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency since 2016.

THE Football Federation the investigation is still ongoing. Mudryk has denied any wrongdoing, calling the outcome a “total shock” and saying he is fully cooperating with authorities.

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In short, what started out as “bad luck” turned out, over time, to be the opposite. Arsenal avoided an £89m mistake and signed a player far better suited to Mikel Arteta team.

Mudryk’s stalled career is Chelsea’s burden. Arsenal’s steady climb to the top of the table is their reward.

When Chelsea rushed to screw Arsenal, few could have imagined who would actually pay the price.

But like the farmer in the fable, Arsenal did not panic. They simply moved on, trusted their judgment, and found the fortune awaiting them in an unexpected form.

As for Chelseathe deal became another symbol of their reckless spending and scattered recruiting.