Dynamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan remains in the center of transfer chatter as negotiations with Real Sociedad over the contract length have not yet reached a formal conclusion. Reports from Sport Express have kept the focus on what sort of commitment the 20-year-old Russian international might be asked to sign, with sources close to the two clubs noting that discussions are ongoing and far from resolved.
The Basque side, based in San Sebastian, are said to be proposing a five-year contract for Zakharyan. That kind of long-term offer is not unusual for a young player with his ceiling, but representatives for Zakharyan have reportedly expressed concerns about committing to such a lengthy deal at this stage of his career, preferring a shorter horizon that would allow for future reassessment as he develops and as market dynamics shift.
The recent history of Zakharyan’s transfer saga stretches back to 2022, when Chelsea reportedly submitted a bid of £12.6 million for the midfielder. That potential move was ultimately blocked by sanctions affecting Russian football, preventing the transfer from materializing despite Chelsea’s strong interest and the player’s rapid rise through Dynamo Moscow’s ranks.
Interest from Europe did not subside after that, and this summer brought fresh attention from the Netherlands. PSV, Ajax, and Feyenoord quickly expressed intent to explore a possible deal for Zakharyan, confirming their interest as they evaluated how a move could fit with their tactical plans and long-term roster strategies. The timing of these inquiries underscores how Zakharyan has become a hot commodity in European football, with clubs weighing how a young talent could impact midfield depth, creativity, and transition play at top leagues.
In the current Russian Premier League season, Zakharyan has contributed one goal and one assist across three league appearances. Dynamo Moscow has started the campaign strongly enough to sit in a respectable position after four rounds, amassing seven points and securing a top-six place in the standings. His performances have drawn attention not only for his goal involvement but also for the technical quality, vision, and willingness to press—traits that European coaches value highly when assessing a player’s readiness to compete outside Russia.
Former striker and pundit Smolov previously offered perspectives on what Zakharyan could achieve against Europe’s elite clubs, suggesting that the midfielder has the potential to influence high-profile fixtures and contribute in big leagues such as La Liga and beyond. While such comments reflect optimism, they also highlight the broader expectation that Zakharyan’s development will be closely watched by clubs who see him as a long-term asset capable of influencing Europe’s top competitions. The situation remains fluid, with both the player’s representatives and Real Sociedad weighing the balance between immediate needs and future growth, as well as how a possible deal might align with the club’s broader competitive ambitions.