Chelsea target Arsen Zakharyan to join Strasbourg as Lazio deal stalls | OneFootball

RC Strasbourg have edged closer to securing the signing of Dynamo Moscow attacker Arsen Zakharyan, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

Lazio were in pole position to secure Zakharyan’s services, but their focus shifted elsewhere, allowing Strasbourg to make their move.

Spearheading the deal is super-agent Rafaela Pimenta – known for handling several high-profile stars following the passing of Mino Raiola.

Strasbourg, now under Chelsea-owned BlueCo, have entered negotiations with Dynamo for the Russian forward.

Talks are underway, and Strasbourg aim to seal the deal for a reported fee of €15 million for the promising 20-year-old.

Zakharyan’s journey to the French club has been interesting. Last summer, he was on Chelsea’s radar when BlueCo arrived at Stamford Bridge.

However, due to government sanctions imposed on Russia in response to their invasion of Ukraine, the move didn’t materialise.

Chelsea tried again in January, but the sanctions hampered their efforts.

Strasbourg unexpectedly emerged as the front-runners in the race to secure Zakharyan, just when it appeared that Lazio might be the club to sign him.

Lazio, looking for a replacement for the recently sold Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, set their sights on the Dynamo man but could not close a deal.

The development must have affected the Roman club as manager Maurizio Sarri and President Claudio Lotito recently had a heated meeting over their slow progress in the summer transfer window.

This opportunity represents a chance for Zakharyan to enter Chelsea’s talent pipeline and potentially earn a future move to the club.

Under the guidance of new Strasbourg boss Patrick Vieira, the young Russian talent will be eager to impress and showcase his skills in Ligue 1.