Arsen Zakharyan agent reveals "complex" Chelsea talks

The 19-year-old is believed to be a prime target of Graham Potter's side after emerging as a breakthrough star in his home nation of Russia in recent months.

Zakharyan has recorded three goals and six assists from 20 games in the Premier Liga and Russian Cup this term, having hit seven goals and eight assists in 29 league games last season.

In total, the midfielder has recorded 15 goals and 20 assists in 67 senior appearances for Dynamo Moscow, having initially joined their academy from Akron Konoplev in 2017.

Zakharyan's deal with the Russian outfit is due to expire in the summer of 2024, and he was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the summer before a transfer fell through.

Now Zakharyan is confirmed to be in discussions with the Blues over a future move, but his representative Pavel Andreev has admitted that negotiations are not proving to be straightforward.

"How are the negotiations with Chelsea going? Let's not talk about that for now. This is a rather complex story with a lot of introductory," Andreev told Championat. "Arsen needs to get better every day and progress. He works very hard - it makes us very happy."

Zakharyan himself recently confirmed that he was the subject of firm interest from Chelsea, but he kept his cards close to his chest when asked about a possible move by Sport-Express.

"I don't think about it now. You can ask the club, my representatives. I think it's all right. Negotiations are underway. But I will not reveal all the cards," Zakharyan said.

Zakharyan reportedly possesses a £12.6m release clause in his contract with Dynamo Moscow, which Chelsea were willing to pay in order to bring him to the Premier League over the summer.

However, Russia's invasion of Ukraine led and subsequent sanctions and FIFA rulings meant that Zakharyan could not complete his proposed switch, but Chelsea have been expected to reignite their interest in January.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the midfielder, who also has one assist to boast from six appearances for the Russia national team.

Zakharyan has featured in both of Russia's friendlies with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan this month following the nation's expulsion from World Cup qualifying, with the two games ending 0-0.

The teenager has demonstrated his versatility by playing on both wings as well as in his favoured number 10 role during the early stages of his club career.