Vyacheslav Koloskov Questions Zakharyan’s Standing in the Russian Premier League
Vyacheslav Koloskov, honorary president of the Russian Football Union, recently stated that Dynamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan is not currently ranked among the top ten players in the Russian Premier League. The veteran official suggested that Zakharyan’s high-profile move discussions with Premier League clubs may have been driven by external interests rather than a clear reflection of his on-field impact in Russia.
According to Koloskov, the true potential of Zakharyan would be difficult to gauge solely from his performances if he had transferred to Chelsea. He raised questions about whether the interest in the 19-year-old talent was genuine or fueled by third parties seeking to profit from the young player. In Koloskov’s view, there remains uncertainty about how Zakharyan captured Chelsea’s attention purely through his play (RB Sports).
Recent results further reinforce Koloskov’s assessment, as Zakharyan is not listed among the top ten players in the current RPL rankings. The discussion about his reputation on the Russian stage appears separate from any specific moves or prospects abroad, including references to English football, which Koloskov noted as not necessarily mirrored by performances on Russian soil.
Earlier this summer, Chelsea reportedly offered 12.6 million pounds for the then 19-year-old midfielder. The proposed transfer did not proceed due to sanctions and restrictions that had a broad impact on Russian football last year. Those limitations complicated the flow of funds from European transfers into Russian clubs, affecting a range of potential deals and financial dynamics across the league.
In the current season, Zakharyan has appeared in 27 matches across all competitions for the blue-whites, contributing three goals and six assists, underscoring his involvement and potential within the team. The numbers reflect a player who remains active and influential in various phases of play, even as debates about his standing continue to circulate among fans and pundits alike.
Previously, Alexander Mostovoy, a former member of the Russian national team, described the situation around the club Khimki after a defeat to Krasnodar as a chaotic spectacle. His remarks added another layer to the ongoing discussion about the nature of Russian football’s present challenges and the public narratives surrounding club performances in the national league.