Chelsea are holding talks with Dynamo Moscow over the transfer of Russian midfielder, Arsen Zakharyan, according to Fabrizio Romano. The West London club are looking to add another talented young teenager to their existing young core.
Chelsea in Talks With Russian Club Over Arsen Zakharyan
Arsen Zakharyan on Chelsea deal: “I think it's all right. Talks with Chelsea are underway. But I won’t reveal all the cards”, he told Sport Express. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Zakharyan remains in Chelsea list as one of the young talents they want to bring to the club. pic.twitter.com/HtOoL3QR0T
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 14, 2022
The Blues Are Still Favourites to Seal Transfer of the Young Talent
Due to the sanctions the United Kingdom had placed on Russia amid the war in Ukraine, The Blues had a £12.6 million deadline day deal for the Russian blocked. Despite this setback, Chelsea are still expected to complete the transfer in the January window. If the deal goes through, Zakharyan would be Chelsea’s fourth teenage midfield signing since Todd Boehly’s takeover. The likes of Carney Chukwuemeka, Omari Hutchinson and Cesare Casadei were signed by former manager Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea are perhaps trying to follow the blueprint of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who have the lowest average squad age (23.7 years) of any club in the Premier League this season. Players like Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher have also found an increased role in the team.
Russian Only Has Eyes for Chelsea
After his summer move to Stamford Bridge fell through, Zakharyan has insisted that Chelsea is still his preferred destination. In a recent interview with Russia’s Comment Show, he said: “My agents and my club have told me that a request has come from Chelsea I have directly said my position is that I want to join Chelsea.”
On knowing that a number of European clubs are after his signature he added: “Right now I have Chelsea and I want to go to Chelsea. I know that other clubs are interested in me, I am proud of that but I want to go to Chelsea.”
The Russian starlet has two goals and five assists across 16 appearances in the Russian Premier League this season. He is a versatile player and can be deployed in a number of offensive positions. His characteristics and play style have earnt him comparisons with Belgian international Kevin DeBruyne. With his capabilities, Zakharyan would definitely be a welcome addition to Graham Potter’s side.
