Chelsea partner club Strasbourg have appointed super-agent Rafaela Pimenta to win the race for Russian star Arsen Zakharyan.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder was close to joining Lazio but is increasingly attracted by Chelsea’s multi-club project.
The Blues have long been admirers of Zakharyan and have in the last two transfer windows attempted to pay Dinamo Moscow’s £12.6million release clause, but were twice blocked from completing the deal due to British sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The seven-time Russia international is expected to be able to navigate FIFA’s regulations this summer after Daler Kuzyayev joined Ligue 1 side Le Havre from Zenit St Petersburg.
Chelsea have been stocking Strasbourg with talent they believe may someday be capable of making the switch to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are allowed to send three players on loan to help manager Patrick Vieira and will use the full allocation.
New teenage signings Angelo Gabriel and Lesley Ugochukwu are considered the two frontrunners to spend the season n France Strasbourg. Montpellier striker Elye Wahi is being lined up as the next player signed before being sent out on loan.
Strasbourg have seen their own transfer budget boosted and spent £28.4m on 20-year-old duo Emanuel Emegha and Abakar Sylla.
BlueCo, Chelsea’s parent company run by Todd Boehly and Clearlake capital, completed a deal to buy Strasbourg in late June.
