The leadership of Dynamo Moscow showed interest in moving midfielder Arsen Zakharyan, a prominent figure in the Russian national team, to Istanbul’s Fenerbahce during July 2023. This turn of events was reported by a Turkish publication, lending weight to rumors that had circulated in the European transfer market about Zakharyan’s availability and the potential for a high-profile move beyond Russian borders.
According to the source, while negotiations were underway for the transfer of Polish midfield talent Sebastian Shimansky in Moscow, Fenerbahçe’s executives were presented with an option to acquire the rights to Zakharyan as part of the deal, given his prior interest from Galatasaray and other Turkish clubs. The proposal underscored the value placed on Zakharyan as a versatile playmaker capable of influencing both domestic leagues and European competitions.
Ultimately, Fenerbahçe chose to prioritize the Shimansky deal, declining the opportunistic inclusion of Zakharyan’s rights in that negotiation. Shimansky subsequently joined the Turkish club for a reported fee in the region of 10 million euros, marking a significant transfer for Fenerbahçe in the summer window and highlighting the club’s strategic focus on strengthening the midfield with a player who fit their tactical profile.
In terms of on-field performance, Zakharyan contributed with solid numbers in the most recent Russian Premier League season, recording 27 appearances, four goals, and seven assists. His continued production positions him as a critical asset for the national team and a potential centerpiece for clubs contemplating a creative and dynamic presence in the middle of the park.
Historically, the market has seen a mix of Russian and Ukrainian players represented on notable lists of the most valuable talents from the post-Soviet space. The landscape reflects ongoing interest from European clubs looking to tap into the reserves of technical skill and tactical flexibility that players from these regions consistently offer, as evidenced by assessments of market value and transfer activity across recent campaigns. The dynamic between emerging homegrown talents and established internationals continues to shape transfer rumors and career trajectories across top leagues and continental competitions.