Chelsea could soon be welcoming the 'next Antoine Griezmann' to Stamford Bridge as the Blues work on a deal to sign Arsen Zakharyan. The 19-year-old midfielder has quickly become heavily linked with a move to west London, with Todd Boehly building for the future.
According to Di Marzio, Chelsea have submitted an offer for the Russia international and hope to wrap up a deal quickly. Speaking to RB Sport, as quoted by SportsKeeda, Zakharyan's agent, Pavel Andreev, confirmed that his client is close to joining the Blues: "It's true, a €15million (£12.6million) deal is close."
If the Blues can wrap up a move before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month, Zakharyan would be the sixth teenage sensation to pen a deal at Cobham this summer, following in the footsteps of Omari Hutchinson, Zak Sturge, Gabriel Slonina, Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka. However, the wonderkid midfielder is no ordinary talent and he's been likened to Griezmann - a player Chelsea have closely monitored in the past...
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can sign perfect 'Didier Drogba heir' if Chelsea win £40m transfer race with Man Utd
According to Goal, Zakharyan's first coach, Samara football legend Vladimir Korolyov, is known to have compared his protege to the famous French forward. The duo share a number of high-level playmaking and goalscoring attributes, operating well in pockets of space in-between the lines.
As of just last year, Chelsea were one of many clubs who were offered Griezmann's services but the Blues, who were then managed by Frank Lampard, refused to step forward and table an offer. Now, with Tuchel at the helm, the west Londoners have been granted a second chance so to say.
Speaking to football.london ahead of the Blues' clash with Tottenham Hotspur, Tuchel spoke on transfer activity fans can expect to see before the window shuts. He said: "I think we could use and strengthen our squad in depth and strength.
"But it's one thing that you wish for and another that is possible. It needs to be possible. We are looking for top quality, top personalities, good characters and competitors on the highest levels.
"You don't always get what you wish for, and that's why we are calm and ambitious at the same time. There are quite some days to go until the end of the transfer period. Everything is possible until the end."
READ NEXT:
Thomas Tuchel new Chelsea attack if £22m Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer is confirmed
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel responds to Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer talk
Chelsea must spend £18m more to sign Ivan Toney over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Chelsea transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'
