Chelsea find LOOPHOLE to sign Russian wonderkid

Cameron Smith

1 Aug 2023 13:50 BST
3 min read

Mauricio Pochettino and the Chelsea badge on a blue abstract background — © ProShots

Chelsea have found a loophole to finally sign Dynamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan, months after their pursuit of the Russian ended.

Article continues under the video

The Blues identified Zakharyan as a target last summer amid an alteration to their transfer strategy towards signing some of the best young talent in world football.

Chelsea even agreed a deal with Dynamo Moscow, worth roughly €15 million, but the transfer was blocked by FIFA due to restrictions on signing Russian players in light of the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Following the Blues’ failed pursuit of Zakharyan, the Russian wonderkid was touted for a move elsewhere, with Zenit St Petersburg and several clubs in La Liga keen on landing him.

However, he only wanted to join Chelsea. He told reporters: “I want to go to Chelsea now, I don’t want to go to Zenit.

“I have a year and a half of my contract left. I am happy to play for Dynamo but the only place I want to go is Chelsea.

MORE: Chelsea close to sealing MAJOR transfer – Fabrizio Romano

“[Dynamo] gave me everything, I would like them to receive this money for me, so that I can repay them not only with my performances, but also with a transfer.”

Zakharyan to Chelsea?

It seems he is now set to finally get his move to Chelsea, albeit to the Blues’ partner club Strasbourg.

Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia have both reported that talks with Lazio have stalled and Zakharyan is now set to join Strasbourg. The Ligue 1 club are currently in advanced negotiations with Dinamo Moscow, with a deal expected to be made.

Chelsea have been linked with sending Angelo Gabriel on loan to Strasbourg, while Lesley Ugochukwu and Sepe Elye Wahi could join the French side on a one-year loan if they are signed by the Blues.

Zakharyan, now 20, scored four goals and provided nine assists in the Russian top flight last season, while he has already notched one goal and one assists in two appearances this campaign.

Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s owner, purchased a majority stake in Strasbourg in June 2023 and now has control of the Ligue 1 club. Furthermore, signing Zakharyan from Strasbourg would be far easier than from Russia due to the lack of UK restrictions buying from the French league.