Chelsea are ‘close’ to wrapping up a £12.5m move to sign Dynamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan, though he must first agree to a very strange demand indeed, per reports. The Blues have conducted their arrivals on two fronts this summer. Part-owner, Todd Boehly, has pursued high profile targets who can make an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge. Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella all clearly fall into that category, though there’s a second set of additions.

Indeed, Chelsea are also investing in their future and have spent big on the stars of tomorrow. The trio of goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, along with midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei have cost a combined £41m. The oldest of the three is Casadei at just 19. Chukwuemeka’s deal in particular came out of the blue. Almost as soon as Chelsea’s interest emerged, the ex-Villa sensation’s arrival was announced. Now, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, another promising young midfielder is on the verge of joining. Continue reading →