Chelsea have taken a big step towards securing the services of Russian wonderkid Arsen Zakharyan. The Blues’ sister club, Strasbourg, are reportedly closing in on the youngster, who has been likened by fans to Kevin De Bruyne.
Chelsea’s interest in Zakharyan stretches back to the January transfer window. However, they were unable to see the deal through due to reported complications involved in doing business with Dynamo Moscow.
The Premier League are still keen to discourage teams from engaging in transfer activity with Russian sides. But Chelsea’s multi-club model is set to pay off, with Zakharyan in talks to sign for Strasbourg with a view to one day making the step up to Stamford Bridge.
According to Di Marzio, the path has cleared for Strasbourg after rival suitors Lazio pulled out of the race. The midfielder will set the French club back at least £10million.
The 20-year-old has been earmarked as a future first-team player under Mauricio Pochettino. With 18 goals in 87 matches for Dynamo Moscow, Zakharyan is already a regular at international level and the Russian has previously been compared to De Bruyne.
“Arsen Zakharyan might just be the next Kevin De Bruyne if he applies himself just right,” wrote @BennChrisJamal on Twitter. Meanwhile, @dme_363 added: “Chelsea are getting the next Kevin De Bruyne, Arsen Zakharyan.”
Just 18 months after leaving Stamford Bridge, De Bruyne returned to the Premier League with Manchester City and he has been devastating ever since. The 32-year-old has won five league titles since joining up with the Sky Blues.
If Zakharyan completes his move, he could be joined at Strasbourg by Chelsea newcomer Angelo Gabriel and target Elye Wahi, with both players marked for loan stints if all goes to plan.