CSKA Moscow star Aleksandr Golovin has been one of the star players for Russia in the 2018 World Cup.
The 22-year-old has subsequently been linked with moves to Barcelona, Juventus, Chelsea and Arsenal in the summer transfer window. Mundo Deportivo had earlier claimed there were “more contacts” from the La Liga winners in signing the Russian international.
Mundo Deportivo today claims Barcelona and Juventus have a disadvantage in their ongoing pursuit of Golovin. The Catalan newspaper states Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been “infatuated” with his compatriot and is keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
CSKA president Yevgeny Giner is a close friend of Abramovich, according to the claims, and it’s stated “knowledgeable sources” close to the operation report there is a pre-agreement between the Russian club’s chief and the Blues owner that can see Chelsea sign Golovin for €23m, a lower fee than had been thought.
Abramovich is aware of interest from Arsenal and would like to avoid any possibility of the World Cup star joining the Gunners. Former Barcelona technical secretary Robert Fernandez watched the player on several occasions last season and even had talks with the player’s agent, Oleg Artiomov.
The Camp Nou outfit thought they had an advantage in signing Golovin. However, it’s believed Abramovich decision to get himself involved in signing the Russian has now changed the dynamics.
