Arsen Zakharyan insists he STILL wants to join Chelsea after his move to Stamford Bridge collapsed

Dynamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan has reaffirmed his desire to join Chelsea after his summer move to the Premier League outfit fell through.

Zakharyan was wanted by the Blues with new owner Todd Boehly willing to sanction a £12.6million move for the Russian prospect who is now on the radar of a host of European club.

The deal for the 19-year-old was called off due to FIFA and UEFA restrictions on clubs buying Russian players. The regulatory measures were imposed because of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. 

Dynamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan wants to push through a move to Chelsea

Chelsea manager Graham Potter is keen on signing the Russian talent in January

The London side reportedly remain intent on pursuing Zakharyan despite being a target of previous manager Thomas Tuchel. 

New Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who is renowned for developing players with potential, is keen on adding the hotshot attacker to his already star-studded side with Zakharyan revealing he wants to complete his move in January.

Zakharyan confirmed in a recent interview that his agents had received an offer from Chelsea that could see him move to England in the mid-season transfer window.  

‘My agents and my club have told me that a request has come from Chelsea. I have directly said my position is that I want to join Chelsea,’ said the Russian, as reported in the Metro.

Zakharyan (right) was unable to join Chelsea in the summer due to FIFA and UEFA restrictions

The 19-year-old star (right) believes he can challenge Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Kai Havertz

‘I know that there is a good competition in my position with Mount, Havertz, Gallagher, so I don’t mind going on loan to adapt to the European league.

‘I was stressed because I wanted this transfer.

The youngsters blatant decision to join Chelsea above will come as a welcome boost to the English side’s transfer team after the club were beaten to numerous high-profile signings in the summer.

Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde preferred moves to Barcelona, while former Leeds star Raphinha also opted to join the Catalan side, turning down a big-money opprtunity at Stamford Bridge.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wanted to bring Zakharyan to the club in the summer

Zakharyan further signalled his unwavering intent to become Potter’s first signing, stating: 

‘Right now I have Chelsea and I want to go to Chelsea. I know that other clubs are interested in me, I am proud of that but I want to go to Chelsea.’