Romano: Chelsea have agreed personal terms on long-term contract with Arsen Zakharyan
According to a tweet from Transfer Expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have agreed on personal terms with young Dinamo Moscow and Russian starlet Arsen Zakharyan on a long-term contract.
It is further reported that a contract was agreed upon in the summer itself, with negotiations between the Blues and Dinamo Moscow to continue till 2023 to agree on a deal. The west London-based club are confident of finally completing this transfer.
It was widely reported during the summer transfer window that Chelsea have agreed to pay a release clause of £12.6m to sign Zakharyan from Moscow (Metro). But, due to the issues in Russia, the Blues were not able to finish off the payment as all the Russian banks were sanctioned in the UK (Evening Standard).
A few days back, it was revealed that an Armenian bank has agreed to be a mediator, allowing Chelsea to make the payment. Zakharyan will also apply for Armenian citizenship to make this move happen, although his footballing nationality remains with Russia.
The 19-year-old is a quality player who can play in central midfield or as a number 10 behind the striker. He has three goals and six assists in 20 appearances in all competitions this season, playing in either of the positions aforementioned.
Chelsea are in a position where they would require additions to the central midfield department in the near future. The future of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante is unsure as their contracts are about to expire in the coming summer and they have not signed an extension yet.
Moreover, the likes of Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek haven’t really taken their chances very well when offered consistently this season so far. So, manager Graham Potter would be looking for a central midfielder who can create chances and run the show in the middle of the park.
Zakharyan, although young, has the qualities to take up the mantle. If the agreement is completed between the two clubs and the contract is signed, it would be interesting to know whether Potter will instantly install Russian into the senior team or let him play a few games with the U23s.
More Chelsea News:
- Real Madrid and Germany star Antonio Rudiger makes honest admission on Chelsea sacking Thomas Tuchel
- Chris Sutton questions the performance of Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in Senegal defeat
- Christopher Nkunku is set to join Chelsea next summer with the deal nearly done
That is all for later though. Firstly, it is paramount that this deal gets done having been dragged on since the summer.