Arsenal saved £61.5m on transfer as Edu's genius highlighted in Burnley win

Matthew Upson believes missing out on Mykhailo Mudryk has proven a blessing in disguise for Arsenal.

The Gunners were firm favourites to sign the winger from Shakhtar Donetsk in January. It is no secret that Mudryk was Arsenal’s top transfer target earlier this year before Chelsea snatched him from under their noses.

Two bids for the winger were rejected, with club chiefs falling short of his £88million valuation. Chelsea ultimately signed the 22-year-old in a deal that could be worth more than £100million but, as of yet, the move has not worked out.

Many are already writing off Mudryk’s chances of becoming a success at Stamford Bridge given their continued poor form. By contrast, Arsenal appear to have struck gold by signing Trossard for a fraction of the price.

Arteta switched focus towards the former Brighton man once the Mudryk deal failed - and the move has paid dividends. When called upon, the Belgian has seldom let the Gunners down and bagged the opener in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Burnley.

Trossard’s seven goals and 12 assists since arriving has made him a reliable part of the squad. Mudryk, on the other hand, has netted just twice, with two assists to his name.

Former Arsenal and England defender Upson praised Trossard following the Burnley win, using Mudryk as the yardstick to justify his transfer. He told Premier League Productions: “Trossard has made a great contribution, showing his versatility again. What a signing he has been from Brighton. I really do believe he has been a top signing for Arsenal and a really good finisher as well.“For me, they’ve got a better player for a lot less money [compared to Mudryk]. I think he’s possibly the best finisher at the club. Technically, when you have a look at his goals, left and right foot, in and around the edge of the box, he’s very accurate, very clinical.”

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