Tottenham in talks to sign winger Mudryk on loan

WHAT HAPPENED
Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks to bring Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk to north London on a season-long loan, according to reports. Spurs emerged late in the race after earlier pursuing Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and are now being reported as favourites to land the Ukraine international.

Chelsea have also held discussions with Leeds over Mudryk and have rejected at least one offer. Mudryk has not featured in a competitive match since November 2024 and is said to be receptive to a move, in part because of a personal link with Roberto de Zerbi, who previously coached him at Shakhtar Donetsk.

KEY CONTEXT
- Mudryk moved from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea in January 2023 for an initial £61m.
- In October 2024 he returned an "adverse finding" for the substance meldonium while on international duty with Ukraine and was provisionally suspended.
- The Football Association initially imposed a four-year ban; Mudryk appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. On 31 July the FA confirmed the anti-doping proceedings had been resolved and that Mudryk accepted contravening the rules and agreed to a suspension equal to the time already served, allowing him to be available for selection again.
- Mudryk has publicly maintained he never knowingly or intentionally took a banned substance and said he was grateful to be able to return to playing.
- Tottenham have also registered interest in Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

WHY IT MATTERS
A move would provide Spurs with a high-profile attacking option and add depth on the wing after their prior transfer attempts for other forwards. For Mudryk, a loan back to the Premier League would offer a chance to re-establish himself competitively after a lengthy absence from matches and the resolution of his anti-doping case. For Chelsea, ongoing negotiations — including reported talks with Leeds and rejected bids — underline they are open to temporary departures for the player.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Chelsea and Tottenham agree loan terms.