Alexander Mostovoy, a former Russia international and Spaniard who spent his career with Celta, believes Arsen Zakharyan, the Dynamo midfielder, will face a tough path in La Liga. His remarks were shared with Sport Express.
In Mostovoy’s view, moving to Spain during this period is a smart step for Zakharyan. Players today adapt to new leagues much faster than they did three decades ago, yet the Spanish top flight remains one of the most demanding arenas in world football. La Liga not only tests players with relentless domestic battles but also exposes them to Europe’s top competitions. Zakharyan will have to demonstrate his talent from the start. He has role models to draw inspiration from: Aleksandr Golovin in France and Aleksei Miranchuk in Italy, both of whom have carved successful paths in foreign leagues. At his young age, Zakharyan has shown quality on the ball and the instincts of a developing playmaker, which bodes well for his adjustment to life in Spain and the level of competition he will encounter there.
There have been persistent rumors about a possible transfer involving Dynamo, with Real Sociedad reportedly in the frame regarding terms that could bring the Russian midfielder to the Basque club. As negotiations surface, the football world waits to see how the situation unfolds and whether a deal can align the ambitions of the player with those of one of La Liga’s ambitious outfits.
Earlier in 2022, a notable development occurred when Chelsea made an offer of £12.6 million for Zakharyan. The move did not proceed, however, due to broader restrictions affecting Russian football that year, which prevented the transfer from being completed. The episode underscored how political and regulatory factors can influence a young talent’s career trajectory, even when a major club shows keen interest and the player himself is eager to take the next leap in his development.
Over the current summer window, interest from Dutch clubs surged for Zakharyan, with PSV, Ajax, and Feyenoord monitoring his performances. Each club expressed a clear intention to explore a potential arrangement, signaling that European scouts recognize the player’s potential and are weighing how a transition to a top league might accelerate his growth. The conversations highlighted the market’s appetite for highly talented midfielders who can contribute creativity, pace, and a robust pressing game to their new teams.
In the ongoing chatter surrounding Zakharyan, there is a common thread: the expectation that a move abroad will demand patience. While some observers anticipate immediate impact, seasoned voices insist there will be an adjustment period. The emphasis is on learning new tactical demands, adapting to different coaches’ systems, and integrating with teammates who have different styles of play. The sense is that a successful European spell will come through gradual development, smart decisions on and off the pitch, and a willingness to absorb new footballing cultures rather than rush straight into top-tier minutes.
For Dynamo, the potential sale would mark a significant moment in their talent pipeline, reflecting a shift toward nurturing players for broader European competition while balancing the club’s financial and competitive aspirations. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, would gain a flexible attacking midfielder who can unlock compact defenses and contribute in transition moments that are critical in La Liga. The real test remains whether the player can adapt to the physical tempo, the tactical discipline, and the competitive pressure typical of Spain’s top flight, where every fixture can offer a new lesson in how to compete at a higher level.