Arsen Zakharyan’s potential move to Chelsea is all-but off.
The Russian midfielder’s agent claimed a move to Stamford Bridge was “close” late last month as the club continue to chase signings at youth level as part of a strategy billed as ‘Vision 2030’.
Head of Youth Development Bath is being trusted with an overhaul as the club aim to create a teenage team operating below the starting XI, one able to plug gaps when needed while building towards leading roles in the future.
While the 19-year-old has a release clause of £12.6m in his contract, sanctions on the Russian economy due to the war in Ukraine makes any attempt to pay for the transfer hugely difficult.
Speaking to Sport-Express, agent Rafaela Pimenta described the deal as “impossible” to complete.
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“Today, it is impossible to close the transfer of Zakharyan in the summer transfer window.
“This transfer is not frozen until winter, but it is possible. Now we are still working to ensure that Dinamo can get money from Chelsea.”