Former Spartak Moscow boss Andrei Chernyshov believes midfielder Arsen Zakharyan has the potential to reach the level of David Silva if he makes a move to Real Sociedad. He notes that a transfer could become a turning point, helping the young Russian grow through new challenges and a different football culture.
Chernyshov emphasized that the path to elite status requires adaptation and language immersion. He argued that in real-world situations, players who relocate to Spanish-speaking environments tend to pick up the language quickly and integrate into daily life. This early adjustment can free a player to focus on sharpening his football instincts, and over time, Zakharyan could approach the standard set by Silva, provided the move is well managed and the player remains patient during the learning phase.
Media reports in August touched on negotiations between Real Sociedad and Dynamo Moscow regarding Zakharyan’s transfer, and both clubs confirmed that discussions were underway. The public attention around this potential transfer underscores Zakharyan’s rising stock and the expectations that accompany a move to a top European league.
Looking back, the summer of 2022 saw interest from Chelsea, which submitted a bid of around 12.6 million pounds for Zakharyan. The transfer did not proceed due to sanctions and restrictions affecting Russian football at that time, a reminder of the broader geopolitical context that can influence player movement across major leagues.
In domestic action this season, Zakharyan has appeared three times in the Russian Premier League, contributing one goal and one assist. These performances signal his ongoing development and the potential for greater impact if he can translate his club form to a higher level of competition abroad.
Valery Gazzaev has weighed in on Zakharyan, suggesting that his talents will be remembered in Spain and that any fallout would depend on how the player adapts to a new football culture and league. Gazzaev’s perspective adds another layer to the discussion about Zakharyan’s trajectory and the broader question of how young prospects from Russia can adjust to Western European football.
The discussion around Zakharyan’s future is more than a single transfer rumor. It reflects the growing interest from big clubs in emerging talents who could become key figures for their national teams and clubs in the coming years. For fans in North America, the evolving story illustrates how fast the transfer market can shift when a player shows tangible growth, a willingness to learn, and the confidence of a club willing to invest in his development. The Real Sociedad option, in particular, would offer a platform with a clear path to regular top-tier football, a league known for nurturing technical players who can operate in tight spaces and contribute in both goal creation and goal scoring.
In summary, the potential move of Arsen Zakharyan to Real Sociedad could mark a significant step in his career. With careful adaptation, language acquisition, and the right coaching environment, a trajectory toward the status of players like David Silva becomes a plausible goal. The ongoing transfer talk, the Chelsea bid that fell through, and Zakharyan’s current performance in Russia collectively frame a compelling narrative about a young talent navigating international football’s complex landscape.