Transfer News: Chelsea set to compete with Barcelona for 18-year-old Russian starlet

A Stamford Bridge Too Far

·16 September 2021

Transfer News: Chelsea set to compete with Barcelona for 18-year-old Russian starlet

Chelsea to go head-to-head with Barcelona for Arsen Zakharyan

According to Championat (h/t The Express), journalist Nobel Arustamyan has claimed that Barcelona are also interested in signing Chelsea transfer target, Arsen Zakharyan.

Chelsea, who currently possess the likes of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic in their midfield line, also added Saul Niguez to the fold on deadline day.

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However, the Blues have already seemed to have targeted another central midfielder in the form of 18-year-old Arsen Zakharyan. The youngster hails from the same country as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and is currently showcasing his talent with Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Premier Liga.

Arsen Zakharyan has so far scored 4 goals and provided 8 assists in 20 appearances for Dynamo Moscow. (imago Images)

The midfielder has so far scored 4 goals and provided 8 assists during his tenure at the club and is gaining attention from several clubs in Europe, including RB Leipzig, Club Brugge & Sassuolo.

However, it now looks like Chelsea have a new club to compete with for the 18-year-old’s signature in the form of Spanish giants Barcelona. Journalist Nobel Arustamyan has claimed that the La Liga club are ready to hold talks with the youngster. He wrote, according to the Championat (h/t The Express):

“Scouts of the Catalan club several times flew to Moscow for the matches of Dynamo to assess the game of Zakharyan. Barca were satisfied with what they saw and are ready for negotiations with both Dynamo and the player himself. They should take place in the coming weeks.

It could take place in the summer of 2022, depending on how the negotiations turn out. Zakharyan himself plans to play at least this season at Dynamo.”

Chelsea have been joined by Barcelona in the race to sign Zakharyan. (imago Images)

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It has also previously been said that the Russian has a clause in his contract that would allow him to join a foreign club for £12.8million next summer, according to Sport Express (h/t The Express).

Thus, with Barcelona also in contention for Zakharyan’s signature, Chelsea would have to intensify their efforts if they hope to land the midfielder in the future.