Girona goalkeeper Vladyslav Krapyvtsov has opened up on Arsenal and Chelsea interest during an interview with Ukraine’s Tribuna.
The 20-year-old joined the La Liga club on a free transfer in December 2024 and prior to his move to Spain, Arsenal and Chelsea tried to secure his services.
Krapyvtsov left FC Dnipro to join SC Dnipro-1’s academy in 2022 and spent two years with the latter before they released him at the end of the 2023/24 season.
The stopper, who turned 20 years of age in June, was presented with an opportunity to join Arsenal or Chelsea, but wasn’t able to join either in the end.
Krapyvtsov had to wait over four months to find a new club after leaving SC Dnipro-1, and the outlet asked him what options he had during this period. This is when he talked about the Premier League duo’s interest.
“I could’ve been at Arsenal or Chelsea”
“I could have been at Arsenal or Chelsea, but at the last moment there were problems with the documents. These are the nuances of the Premier League regulations,” he said.
“Chelsea couldn’t get another additional spot in the application for me. My agent called and told me how it was.
“Of course, at first, I was unsure about what to do next, but I told Vadym [Shablii] that I trusted him completely and that I was calm. And that’s how I ended up at Girona. If it weren’t for my agent, I wouldn’t be where I am now. So, he did a great job, and I am very grateful to him.”
Back in December 2024, Shablii had confirmed Gunners and Blues interest. The move didn’t materialise due to his client’s failure to obtain a work permit to play.
The Ukraine U21 international has played four matches for Girona so far, of which two are from this season.
