Chelsea almost completed the signing of Arsen Zakharyan from Dynamo Moscow in the summer and in January
Todd Boehly appears to have found a loophole which could see Chelsea finally sign Arsen Zakharyan. The 20-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a transfer to Stamford Bridge last year, but a move failed to materialise.
The west Londoners then attempted to revisit negotiations for the Dynamo Moscow star in January, but with little success. With the ongoing war blocking the Russian's move to Chelsea, Boehly appears to have found a loophole.
According to 90min, Chelsea's owners are eager to sign Zakharyan for newly-acquired partner club Strasbourg. The report states that the youngster could be available for just £8.6million, with his contract set to expire in 12 months.
The Blues' sister club are expected to face tough competition in the race to sign the midfielder, with Feyenoord and Lazio reportedly reaching out. If Strasbourg manage to get their hands on Zakharyan then a long-awaited transfer to Chelsea becomes much easier to complete.
Speaking to Sport24 in October, the Russian revealed how he found out about the west Londoners' interest, what he would do to ensure a move doesn't fall through again and whether he'd consider joining a club other than Chelsea.
Zakharyan said: "I found out from my agents, plus the club said that they received a letter with a request from Chelsea. I don't know the transfer details.
"[My] Reaction? I was called by Dmitry Alexandrovich [a member of the board of Dynamo Moscow] and asked if I wanted to move and how I looked at it. I said my position, yes, I want to."
On first reaction to Chelsea's interest, he said: "I immediately said that I want to go and go. I do not cancel the rental option, but at least I would try myself there. Then I'll be back, maybe it would be possible to start playing there right away.
"I got my parents right away. I was glad, there was excitement. I thought it would work, it wouldn't work. I replayed in my head how it would all turn out. The agent said that a club from Spain was interested in me, but I have Chelsea, and I want to join Chelsea."
Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team, or loaned out for experience? Swipe to have your say...