{"id":298526,"date":"2023-11-24T05:54:24","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T05:54:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/?p=298526"},"modified":"2023-11-24T05:54:24","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T05:54:24","slug":"chelsea-face-mykhaylo-mudryk-dilemma-as-pochettino-new-priority-speaks-volumes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/soccer\/chelsea-face-mykhaylo-mudryk-dilemma-as-pochettino-new-priority-speaks-volumes\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea face Mykhaylo Mudryk dilemma as Pochettino new priority speaks volumes"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk may feel that his career at Stamford Bridge is finally heading in the right direction after a recent improvement in form on the pitch, but Mauricio Pochettino’s new focus in the transfer market suggests there is still work to be done. The Argentine is reportedly eyeing up a big-money move for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and that will increase the pressure on Mudryk to make himself undroppable in Pochettino’s eyes – starting with Saturday’s trip to Newcastle.<\/p>\n

It would be difficult for the west London side to convince Napoli to sell Kvaratskhelia in January, but not impossible. The Georgia international scored twice against Scotland during the international break and while his club form has dropped off from last season, Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing the talented playmaker along with Manchester City, Barcelona, Newcastle and Real Madrid.<\/p>\n

The financial side of the deal means it could cost the Blues over \u00a3100million to secure his signature and some would question why they would pay out such a fee when they desperately need a striker, as well as having Mudryk on an eight-year contract.<\/p>\n

Hearing news of their interest in Kvaratskhelia could simply be a ploy to spark some life into Mudryk, who has divided opinion since arriving at the club 11 months ago.<\/p>\n

READ MORE <\/strong> Chelsea waiting to unleash Christopher Nkunku as part of strict plan for debut[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Ukrainian has shown glimpses of the ability that convinced Chelsea to invest a total of \u00a388million in the 22-year-old, scoring against Fulham and Arsenal this season after going 23 games without a goal for the Blues. His direct running and blistering pace means he is a useful asset against tired defenders.<\/p>\n

Still, two goals and two assists in 28 appearances is nowhere near what Pochettino would expect from a player of his ability and talent.<\/p>\n

The issue is becoming more pressing for the 51-year-old boss, with the impending return of Christopher Nkunku giving him a selection headache. The Frenchman has dropped several hints indicating he is poised to return to the squad against the Magpies after recovering from knee surgery, and Mudryk will be feeling the heat as a result.<\/p>\n