Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mykhaylo Mudryk have reunited as Ukraine prepare for their highly-anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against England. However, the question on everyone's mind is how the two would fare following Mudryk's controversial move to Chelsea.
The former Shakhtar winger was the Gunners' priority target for the January window, with the player even publicly flirting with the idea of joining Mikel Arteta's side. However, Chelsea mounted a late hijack and offered a bid that Arsenal were unwilling to match.
As a result, the player ended up moving to Stamford Bridge, sparking anger and disappointment in North London. Edu and Co. eventually signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton, which has proven to be a shrewd deal, but many have wondered what it would be like between Mudryk and Zinchenko following this transfer saga.
The Emirates Stadium ace has opened up about his relationship with the Chelsea ace, revealing the advice he gave to his countryman. Spoiler alert: there is no bad blood between the two.
The Arsenal left-back admitted to giving advice to the 22-year-old, telling him to focus on life at Stamford Bridge. However, the former Manchester City ace confessed to being disappointed over how this transfer unfolded.
"I told him, 'It's gone already, it doesn't matter what you wanted, what the other guys wanted'," Zinchenko told the Daily Mail.
"Now you're a Chelsea player, you signed a long-term contract and you have only one option, only one way: direct and forward. Unfortunately, he didn't become an Arsenal player – as I wanted personally! - but it's life."
Fans of the Ukraine national team will appreciate these words. The Blue and Yellow kick off their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying campaign this weekend and will want to see two of their best players on the same page for the clash with England.
The Three Lions recently beat Italy 2-1 in Naples to show that they are the favorites to make it out of the group. As a result, Zinchenko and Co. will have to overcome the odds in order to qualify.
