‘London is Blue!’ – Chelsea Star Mudryk Teases Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko

Mykhailo Mudryk has insisted that London remains ‘blue’ despite Chelsea being forced to stare up enviously Arsenal in the Premier League table this season.

In January, the Ukraine international was close to joining Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal side, but when they failed to reach an agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk, Todd Boehly swooped in and secured Mudryk’s services for £88.5 million, making him one of Europe’s most highly-rated forwards.

However, Mudryk has struggled to justify his hefty price tag, with just one assist in his seven appearances so far.

Graham Potter has also failed to include him regularly in his starting lineup, despite being the most expensive of the club’s January signings.

Despite playing for rival capital clubs, Mudryk is grateful for Oleksandr Zinchenko’s presence, as he has helped him settle into his new environment.

‘He helped me a lot. I like him so much. We often joke about Arsenal, Chelsea and what colour London is,’ he told Sky Sports.

‘But I like this guy, he is a very funny and very kind guy. We spend time always [together] in a positive way.’

Asked what colour London was, Mudryk replied emphatically: ‘Blue.’

With war still being waged on his homeland following Russia’s invasion 16 months ago, it is little wonder Mudryk has struggled to hit the ground running.

‘My parents are still there in Ukraine. Everyday I call them and ask about everything, what the situation is now, how they are and everything about what is now the situation in our country,’ he added.

‘Their [British public] reaction, for me, is good because some people ask me about the situation in Ukraine. Some people are worrying about the situation. I am grateful to these people who help Ukraine because it means a lot.’

Mudryk and Zinchenko will line up on the same side come Sunday when Ukraine look to spoil England’s perfect start to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign which began with a 2-1 win in Italy on Thursday.

Harry Kane became England’s record goalscorer with the decisive penalty in Naples and Mudryk admits he is a huge admirer of the Tottenham legend.

He said: ‘Very good quality of player. I know a little bit of him, I like the way he worked a lot to become the top scorer of all-time of England.’