Mykhaylo Mudryk faces a potential four-year ban following charges by the Football Association for doping violations, as Chelsea step up their pursuit to revamp Enzo Maresca’s attacking options with eight targets in sight.
Mudryk, sidelined since November, was provisionally suspended after traces of the performance-enhancing drug meldonium were detected in his system. The Ukrainian international has now been officially charged as both he and Chelsea await the results of his B sample.
An FA spokesperson stated, “We can confirm that Mykhailo Mudryk has been charged with anti-doping rule violations. Further comments will not be made as the case is ongoing.” Chelsea, meanwhile, has opted to remain silent on the matter.
Mudryk has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming he tested negative in August and has maintained consistency in his routine. In an Instagram post last December, he said, “This has come as a complete shock. I have never knowingly used banned substances and am working to understand how this occurred. I remain hopeful of resolving this and returning to the pitch soon.”
With Mudryk’s absence and Jadon Sancho’s return to Manchester United, Chelsea have intensified their search for a right-footed left winger.
Chelsea’s £42m bid for Jamie Gittens was swiftly rejected by Borussia Dortmund ahead of the Club World Cup. However, The Guardian reports that the Blues remain hopeful of securing the 20-year-old this summer, though Dortmund’s £50m asking price has pushed them to explore alternatives.
Among the options is Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who has caught Maresca’s eye as a potential solution for the left wing. Maresca emphasized the need for reinforcements, stating, “We have Noni, Pedro, and Ty as our primary wingers, but we must strengthen further.”
Chelsea’s ambition doesn’t stop there. Reports suggest the club has discussed a loan-to-buy deal for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and is also eyeing a versatile forward to add depth to the squad. However, with Liam Delap set to compete with Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea appears to have shelved plans for another classic No.9.
With João Félix and Christopher Nkunku potentially on their way out, the Blues aim to alleviate the creative pressure on Cole Palmer. Transfer targets include Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Brighton’s Joao Pedro, and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, though Chelsea has been deterred by Eintracht Frankfurt’s £84m valuation of Hugo Ekitike.
Another intriguing possibility is Mohamed Kudus, whose release clause of £85m becomes active in early July. Chelsea has already initiated talks with West Ham, who are open to selling the Ghanaian international to raise funds. However, West Ham prefers a straight sale over player swaps, a stance they maintained with Manchester United as well.
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