Chelsea's hopes of signing Arsen Zakharyan this summer have taken a hit as agent Rafaela Pimenta ruled out the move happening during the summer transfer window. Pimenta, Mina Raiola's successor as the lead of agency One, has met with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly throughout this summer.
Zakharyan's agent Pavel Andreev had suggested that a deal had been close for the 19-year-old, while Pimenta is said to have had a role in negotiations and even have been present at Stamford Bridge, alongside Boehly. Difficulties appear to have arisen over the prospect of paying a transfer fee to a Russian club.
The midfielder has already netted one goal and provided two assists in six league appearances this season, following seven goals and eight assists in 29 appearances last term. In his last outing for Dynamo Moscow, some indicated they saw his actions as an acknowledgement of a forthcoming departure.
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However, it looks like the Blues will now be waiting until January, at least, to figure out any deal. Pimenta noted that no agreement is yet in place, however.
She told SportExpress: "Today, it is impossible to close the transfer of Zakharyan in the summer transfer window. This transfer is not frozen until winter, but it is possible. Now we are still working to ensure that Dynamo can get money from Chelsea.
"Nothing has been agreed yet. I hope everything works out."
The Moscow club have since released a statement, suggesting the transfer is one they are happy to revisit at a later date.
It read: "On August 25, FC Dynamo received an offer from the English football club Chelsea regarding the transfer of midfielder Arsen Zakharyan. The interest of one of the strongest clubs in the world to the graduate of our club academy is a high assessment of the quality of training of young football players of Dynamo and Arsene's playing progress.
"For several days, there were substantive negotiations between Dynamo and Chelsea, in which our club took a constructive position. However, due to a number of technical reasons beyond our control, it is not possible to transfer the player to this summer transfer window. Nevertheless, our club remains open to proposals that will suit Dynamo and the player.
"At the moment, the parties have decided that Arsene will continue to play for Dynamo."
While Zakharyan is unlikely to be added to Chelsea's ranks by the end of deadline day, the Blues are still pursuing moves for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Edson Alvarez. A deal for the former now appears close, with Marcos Alonso set to travel in the opposite direction.
Chelsea have placed a £43million bid for Mexican midfielder Alvarez, who is thought to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and has not trained with the Dutch side on Thursday.
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