Arsen Zakharyan is tipped to sign for Chelsea
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Chelsea are working on a move for Dinamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan as part of their focus on recruiting youth talent.
The 19-year-old has a £12.6million release clause in his contract allowing him to easily leave for clubs in European competitions outside of his native Russia.
However, there remains a possibility that the deal can collapse over various regulations. Furthermore, Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine makes actually paying for the transfer complicated.
There are also concerns about acquiring a work permit and navigating the complex rules set by FIFA on the transfers of Russia or Ukraine-based players.
Yet, Zakharyan has been identified as the very top talent in Russian football and is keen to make the move to west London.
The talks first broke in the Russian media and his agent Pavel Andreev revealed to RB Sports how close the deal is: “Chelsea want to buy Zakharyan? This is true.”
The Blues have already signed several high-profile academy talents including Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, Omari Hutchinson, Zak Sturge and Eddie Beach.
Indeed, Chelsea have already spent over £40m on academy players and seem to be continuing that trend deep into the transfer window.
With so many players coming in, they Blues are ready to loan Xavier Simons out to a Championship or League One club.
It comes after Simons snubbed transfer interest from Watford, Brighton, Southampton and Norwich to remain at Stamford Bridge - signing a new deal that runs until 2023 with a club option for another year.
Reading have made a loan offer for former Arsenal winger Hutchinson, but there are concerns over their ability to pay a wage contribution as the EFL stringently monitor their incomings.
Xavier Mbuyamba is available for a transfer and is gaining interest from his native Netherlands.
