Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed to the Simon Phillips Substack that Chelsea made the decision to sign Mykhailo Mudryk after the defeat to Fulham.
The Blues unveiled their new signing at Stamford Bridge on Sunday during the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
He joined the club in seemingly rapid circumstances. It was widely believed that he would join London rivals Arsenal.
The fee required to sign Mudryk was also something that was holding back his move, with both sides interested in a deal seemingly not wanting to pay what Shakhtar Donetsk were asking for.
However, Jacobs has claimed defeat to Fulham prompted the ownership to stump up a near club-record fee for the 22-year-old.
Chelsea loss to Fulham pushed them to sign Mudryk
He said: “Last week Chelsea told Shakhtar they had no intention of paying €100m, but everything changed following the loss to Fulham. And because Graham Potter had already spoken to Mudryk, Chelsea were able to move at lightening-speed following internal discussions.
“In the end, Chelsea decided to pay €100m, and although not all of the extras within that are easily ‘gettable’ the value, structure, add ons and personal terms all surpass what Arsenal were prepared to offer.”
The defeat in the West London derby had been overshadowed by the chaotic debut of loan signing Joao Felix.
The Portugal international looked genuinely exciting in his first Premier League game, however was sent off for a reckless challenge just an hour in.
It is so far unclear when the Ukrainian is going to make his first appearance for Graham Potter’s side, although plenty will be hoping it’s this weekend.
The Blues are preparing for a trip to Anfield as they face Liverpool, a side enduring a similarly underwhelming season to them after pushing Manchester City close last season.
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