Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Mykhailo Mudryk is likely to depart Chelsea on a temporary basis before the transfer window shuts, with multiple clubs from the Premier League and across Europe registering interest in the Ukrainian winger.
Mudryk has been absent from competitive action since November 2024, and Chelsea are eager for him to resume playing regularly elsewhere this season. Despite the growing interest, the west London club have made clear they will only sanction a loan move, rejecting any permanent offers for the 25-year-old as they continue to assess what is best for his long-term progress.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's Premier League curtain-raiser at Fulham on Monday, Alonso indicated that no final decision had yet been made on Mudryk's immediate future, though he stressed there was no urgency to rush the process.
"We will see, we still have time to decide, and we don't have to rush on many decisions and at the right time we will take them, at the moment not yet," Alonso said when asked whether Mudryk could feature against Fulham.
The winger did take part in Chelsea's pre-season campaign, offering a glimpse of his potential involvement before a loan is finalised. However, with his last competitive appearance now stretching back close to a year, getting him regular game time appears to be the priority for both player and club.
Mudryk's situation is just one strand of a broader squad reshuffle at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look to streamline their options heading into the closing stages of the transfer window. The club are willing to part with several forwards, including Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, as they trim numbers up front.
Delap has drawn attention from Nottingham Forest, Everton and Ipswich Town, though Chelsea's asking price of around £50million has so far complicated discussions. Italian side Como have also been credited with an interest in the England international striker.
Jackson, valued by Chelsea at approximately £65million, has attracted suitors including Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Napoli, as the Senegalese forward's future at the club also appears uncertain.
Of the trio, Guiu seems closest to an exit, with three clubs — from Italy, Spain and Germany — showing interest in either a permanent deal or loan arrangement. Napoli have reportedly emerged as strong suitors for the 20-year-old, who progressed through Barcelona's La Masia academy before joining Chelsea, and are said to be pushing for an outright transfer.
Asked directly whether he saw a future for the £25million-rated forward at Chelsea this season, Alonso was similarly non-committal, echoing his stance on Mudryk.
"We will see, as I said before with our players. We could be talking a lot, so we need to assess with the days what will be the situation," the head coach explained.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Chelsea appear set for a busy final stretch as they look to finalise the futures of several fringe attacking players while balancing squad depth with development needs. Alonso's measured approach suggests the club will not be pressured into hasty decisions, even as reported interest from rival clubs across Europe continues to mount.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football).