Andrey Kanchelskis, the former Manchester United midfielder and Russia national team veteran, weighs in on the potential move of Dynamo Moscow talent Arsen Zakharyan to Chelsea in London.
Back in the summer, Chelsea reportedly tested the waters with an offer around £12.6 million for the midfielder. Yet the deal stalled due to sanctions and restrictions affecting Russian football last year, leaving the transfer in limbo.
“Listening to the crowd shouting on reality TV is not productive. If there was real appetite to buy him, it would happen—someone would find a way,” Kanchelskis told DEA News. His point stressed that market realities and regulatory limits often shape what looks possible in public chatter.
Media outlets in the UK, including major broadcasters, tend to scrutinize speculations about players from outside the domestic league. In this context, Kanchelskis notes that show business narratives sometimes intrude on football discussions, sparking wider conversations about value, timing, and intent.
For Dynamo this season, Zakharyan has appeared in 27 matches across all competitions, contributing three goals and six assists. Market observers estimate his value at roughly €15 million, reflecting his growing profile and potential resale appeal.
Earlier comparisons by Kanchelskis drew parallels between Zakharyan’s trajectory and clubs across Europe, with mentions of Khimki in the Moscow region and the Italian side Palermo as benchmarks in evaluating his development and career path.