Oleksandr Zinchenko: Arsenal Star Reveals What He Told Mudryk After His Compatriot Joined Chelsea

• Chelsea hijacked Mykhailo Mudryk from the grip of Arsenal after paying £89m to Shakhtar Donetsk
• The Ukrainian winger spent months displaying public affection for the Gunners
• His transfer to rivals angered the Gunners faithful but Oleksandr Zinchenko has quelled any rumour of animosity

Chelsea flexed their muscle in the transfer market after bullying rivals Arsenal off the transfer of Mykhailo Mudryk for £89m from Shakhtar Donetsk in the January transfer window.

The Ukrainian winger spent months displaying public affection for Arsenal, and the team also made him their January transfer window priority to strengthen the left side of their attack.

The transfer created animosity towards the player from the Arsenal fans, who are bitter he came to their City but not to their club.

Zinchenko reveals Mudryk's conversation

Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mudryk's compatriot was heavily involved in convincing the 22-year-old to move to the Emirates and admitted to being disappointed in an interview reported by Metro UK.

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“I said to him: “It’s gone already. It doesn’t matter what you wanted, what the other guys wanted. Now you’re a Chelsea player, you signed a long-term contract, and you have only one option, only one way: direct and forward,” he said.

“Unfortunately, he didn’t become an Arsenal player – as I wanted personally! – but it’s life.”

Andriy Shevchenko advises Mudryk

Former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has waded in support of his compatriot, insisting he needs time to adapt in England while advising him on what to do.

“What worked for me in Milan and London was immersing myself in the culture, studying the language so I can communicate with my teammates,” he told The Athletic.

“That will help him acclimatise quicker, which is important when you move to any country in the world. On the pitch, the club and the manager will provide him with everything he needs to raise his level.”

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Mudryk tipped to be Chelsea's key player

Sports Brief reported that Ukraine interim boss Ruslan Rotan has urged Chelsea to be patient with the 22-year-old, and he will be a key player next season.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk winger has struggled in his first seven games at Chelsea despite a lightning cameo against Liverpool on his debut. He has provided just one assist and is yet to score a goal.