"He is an outstanding player" - Bundesliga club director praises Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk amid transfer rumors

Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has praised Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk but dismissed rumors of interest in the Ukraine international. The German giants faced the 23-year-old's former club, Shakhtar Donetsk, in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, December 10, claiming a 5-1 win on neutral ground.

Amid the ongoing crisis in Donetsk, Bayern Munich walloped Shakhtar in their adopted home of Gelsenkirchen. After the game, Eberl entertained journalists' questions about the Bavarians' links to Mudryk.

Eberl praised Mudryk's quality while acknowledging that Bayern are in the market for new players. However, he turned down the possibility of his club moving for the Ukraine international, who remains contracted to Chelsea until 2031.

"He is an outstanding player. He signed a contract in Chelsea until 2031 and cost a lot of money. We are of course watching the market, of course Mudryk is an outstanding player. But at the moment that's just a rumour.“

Bayern Munich need attacking cover amid stalling talks with Leroy Sane over a new contract. The German outfit also sanctioned Bryan Zaragoza's loan exit to Osasuna in the summer while Kingsley Coman has been linked with an exit from the club.

Mudryk, meanwhile, has struggled to find his footing since he arrived at Stamford Bridge in a big-money move in January 2023. He appears to have found a bit of rhythm this season. But with highly-rated youngsters Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez to join Chelsea next summer, it is difficult to see the club being very patient with him.

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Mudryk missing once more as Chelsea face Astana in Conference League

Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk was not on the plane as part of the 20-man squad to face Kazakhstan outfit Astana in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The Ukraine international appears to still be ill, having missed games against Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur through illness.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has opted for a very youthful side to face Astana in Almaty, with 18-year-old Tyrique George starting in Mudryk's absence. The Ukrainian has scored three goals and provided three assists in four appearances in the competition up to this point.

The Blues have Pedro Neto starting, while the likes of Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, and Christopher Nkunku have been left in London.

Their bench has been filled with young players, with the likes of Shumaira Mheuka, Ato Ampah, and the more experienced Harvey Vale.