“He comes up with vital goals” - Jamie Redknapp admits Arsenal dodged bullet by not signing Chelsea star

Jamie Redknapp has insisted Arsenal are relieved they signed Leandro Trossard rather than Chelsea's Mkyhailo Mudryk.

Trossard was on target as the Gunners headed to the top of the Premier League on Saturday (April 20). Mikel Arteta's side beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 away at Molineaux to displace Manchester City at the summit for the time being.

The Belgian attacker managed to find the back of the net with a strange-looking effort. It was the 29-year-old forward's 14th goal of the season and he's proven to be an asset for the title challengers.

However, Trossard wasn't Arsenal's first-choice target in the 2023 January transfer window. The Gunners had their sights on Mudryk, 23, who'd impressed in the Ukrainian top flight with Shakhtar Donetsk.

It looked as though Mudryk was headed to north London until Chelsea came into the equation. The Blues hijacked their London rivals' pursuit and signed him for a reported £89 million.

Mudryk has struggled throughout his stay at Stamford Bridge with inconsistent form. He's lacking game time under Mauricio Pochettino amid a slow adaption to Premier League football.

Redknapp analyzed Arsenal's win over Wolves on Sky Sports and the Liverpool icon highlighted how Trossard wasn't the club's initial priority:

"If my mind serves me correctly they were in for Mudryk. They didn’t get him, he chose to go to Chelsea and they paid big money for him and he [Trossard] was probably the second choice."

Trossard arrived at the Emirates from Brighton & Hove Albion for £27 million. The Belgium international came with plenty of Premier League experience, having been with the Seagulls since 2019.

Redknapp compared Trossard to Mudryk and how their careers are currently panning out:

"But if you look at the two careers up to now – and there’s nothing to say that Mudryk can’t go onto still have a good career at Chelsea – but he’s been a brilliant signing. He comes up with vital goals. He gives you width, he’s comfortable on the ball."

Redknapp alluded to Trossard's price:

"When you’re looking to add players to the squad you have to make sure you bring in the right type and he’s certainly that. £27m is an absolute bargain for a tremendous player, technically good that can nick a goal."

Trossard isn't an undisputed starter for Arsenal but is an important option for Arteta. He's conjured up 14 goals and 12 assists in 62 games since arriving in January last year.

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William Gallas feels Chelsea's Mkyhailo Mudryk would suit Mikel Arteta's Arsenal

Mkyhailo Mudryk's Chelsea spell has been disappointing thus far.

Arteta appears to be a huge admirer of Mudryk which is why the Gunners were heavily linked. The Chelsea star's pace and agility are two winger traits that the Spanish coach likes, as displayed by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

William Gallas, who played for both clubs, touched on Mudryk and how he could fit in at the Emirates under Arteta. He said (via Football 365):

"Mudryk could be a good fit, with his speed and quality and that’s why Arteta likes him. Before he signed for Chelsea, Arsenal nearly signed him but he changed his mind and you cannot forget that."

Mudryk has endured a difficult spell in west London and is still yet to win Pochettino over. He's made 35 appearances across competitions this season, bagging six goals and two assists.