Mudryk’s Future in Doubt as Chelsea Accelerate Move for Wide Options | OneFootball

Chelsea at a Crossroads: Mudryk’s Fallout and the Next Wave of Targets

Mudryk’s Positive Test and Chelsea’s Immediate Dilemma

It is a story that cuts deep. Mykhailo Mudryk, a £62 million winger once heralded as Chelsea’s next electric star, is now facing the spectre of a four-year ban. His B sample, following a December suspension, has confirmed what many feared — a positive anti-doping test that leaves his future at Stamford Bridge in limbo. It is a heavy blow, not just to Mudryk, but to Chelsea’s wider rebuild under Enzo Maresca.

When the charge was first made, Mudryk stated that he “never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.” Those words now hang in the air, shaded by doubt and the cold finality of testing. With Chelsea already exploring winger options, the confirmation of the B sample adds urgency to their business.

This is no longer about competition for places — it is damage control. The club, to its credit, had already shifted gears, reportedly looking at Jamie Gittens, Malick Fofana and others. But the Mudryk episode has underlined just how delicate their squad depth really is on the flanks.

Chelsea may also face legal and contractual questions. As The Athletic posed: “Can Chelsea sack him if found guilty and could he appeal?” These are questions for lawyers and the FA tribunal, but they do not distract from the fact that Chelsea must act swiftly to ensure they are not left short next season.

Gittens, Garnacho and a Race to Reinforce the Flanks

Jamie Gittens is clearly top of Chelsea’s current list. The 20-year-old Borussia Dortmund winger has reportedly agreed to a seven-year contract, suggesting the club’s faith is long-term and unwavering. The snag remains the price. Chelsea’s most recent £42 million bid was rejected, partially due to the structure involving instalments. Talks are ongoing.

Crucially, Bayern Munich are seen as interested but not a credible threat, according to Chelsea sources cited by The Athletic. There is also interest in Alejandro Garnacho. United’s Argentine forward has long been admired in west London, and although no formal move has taken place, it is understood that “he would like to remain in the Premier League and favours London as a destination.”

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This development gives Chelsea options, although prising Garnacho from United, especially as he remains a symbol of their youth policy and tenacity, would likely require either a mammoth offer or a souring of relations in Manchester.

Meanwhile, Malick Fofana remains on the radar, with a verbal enquiry made to Lyon. There is clear intent here — Chelsea want pace, footwork and flexibility. And Mudryk’s shadow looms large behind every name.

Kudus, Joao Pedro and Ekitike: Versatility Over Specialism

Beyond wide players, Chelsea are also intent on adding a multi-functional forward. In Mohammed Kudus, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike, they see three different profiles, each offering a twist on the same principle — versatility in the final third.

Kudus, of West Ham United, is perhaps the most direct. A stocky dribbler with blistering speed and purpose, Kudus finished just behind Lamine Yamal in successful take-ons last season across Europe’s top leagues. He does not hug the touchline — he drives through the heart of games, chewing up turf and defenders alike.

Joao Pedro, from Brighton, is more subtle. He drops into pockets, links play and moves late into the box. A facilitator more than a destroyer, but still a significant attacking weapon when needed. His movement and pressing workrate mark him out as the most rounded of the three.

Ekitike is the wildcard. Tall, rangy and occasionally inconsistent, he still managed more penalty box shots than anyone bar Haaland and Salah. That statistic alone turns heads. But his valuation — €100 million — is currently prohibitive, and Chelsea will not engage unless the price drops considerably.

The Athletic noted: “Chelsea will only make a move if the current asking price… is lowered.” That pragmatic stance feels right. They are already heavy in attacking profiles. They need the right fit, not just more names.

Who Could Be Heading Out?

It would be careless to ignore Chelsea’s outgoings, especially when the squad size and wage bill are still bloated by post-Abramovich remnants. Christopher Nkunku remains valued at £65 million, and there has been quiet contact with Manchester United. Still, their interest in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo means Nkunku is a backup plan — not a priority.

Enzo Maresca commented: “Christo is our player. He’s doing very well in the last four or five days and he could get some chances.” That feels like a public show of faith, but also an open door.

Nicolas Jackson’s red card against Flamengo brought him back under scrutiny. There are no plans to sell him immediately, but neither is he in the ‘untouchable’ category like Cole Palmer or Moises Caicedo. Premier League and Saudi clubs are watching closely, although reports of Juventus or Napoli interest have been dismissed.

Noni Madueke is another who could be sacrificed if the right bid comes. Djordje Petrovic, despite strong performances, has a £25 million price tag attached under a gentleman’s agreement. Andrey Santos remains in the plans, but his absence from the Club World Cup games highlights his adaptation curve.

Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka and Armando Broja are all available for sale. The message is clear — Chelsea will listen to offers.

Two more outgoing loans were confirmed by The Athletic: USMNT’s Caleb Wiley will join Watford, and Teddy Sharman-Lowe will spend the season with Bolton Wanderers.

Tactics and Strategy Under Maresca

What knits all of this together is Enzo Maresca’s tactical vision. He wants fluidity across the front line. He craves movement, rotation and unpredictability. “Enzo Maresca wants players who can play anywhere across the front line, drop deep to link up play and rotate with team-mates to pull apart stubborn low blocks.”

That vision is reflected in the names being targeted. Kudus, Joao Pedro and even Ekitike offer contrasting tools, but each fits the same blueprint. They are mobile, intelligent, unafraid to take risks in possession.

Maresca’s Chelsea is still forming. There is no settled XI, no trusted spine yet. But the identity is starting to show in recruitment. Whether that’s enough to rescue their inconsistent fortunes next season will depend on whether these deals are finished cleanly and quickly.

Because while Chelsea are chasing promise and potential, the league waits for no one. In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, adaptability is currency. And Chelsea, even under pressure, are spending wisely — if not frugally.

Our View – EPL Index

As a Chelsea supporter, it is difficult to not feel a growing sense of unease. Mudryk’s situation is more than just a personal tragedy — it’s a disruption to the squad structure and a stain on the club’s name. The timing is awful. Right when we seemed to be turning a corner under Maresca, we’re dragged into another storm.

The Gittens deal excites me, especially the potential seven-year commitment, but we’ve seen long-term contracts fail us before. Garnacho sounds like a dream — but can we really imagine United letting him go to us?

Kudus would be my pick of the bunch. His strength on the ball and directness is something we’ve lacked since Eden Hazard left. Joao Pedro is tidy, but I worry about his output. Ekitike? Feels too risky for the price quoted.

I’m also not convinced by the club’s approach to Jackson and Madueke. We’re going to need a bigger squad if we want to compete on multiple fronts. Selling now might come back to haunt us.

Overall, the vision is there. But clarity and control in execution are what we’re crying out for. We’ve had enough scattergun recruitment. It’s time we started building something coherent.