Chelsea remain interested in Dynamo Moscow midfielder Arsen Zakharyan and will continue to monitor him ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports.
The 19-year-old was wanted by Chelsea in the summer and the Blues were ready to land him, however they were unable to finalise a transfer due to the funds getting blocked from being transferred to a Russian-based bank account as a result of sanctions placed on the country following the invasion of Ukraine.
Dynamo Moscow confirmed Chelsea had made an offer on 25 August, but due to financial arrangements not being possible, Zakharyan was forced to stay in Russia.
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A statement from the club: "On August 25, FC Dynamo received an offer from the English football club Chelsea regarding the transfer of midfielder Arsen Zakharyan. The interest of one of the strongest clubs in the world to the graduate of our club academy is a high assessment of the quality of training of young football players of Dynamo and Arsene's playing progress.
"For several days, there were substantive negotiations between Dynamo and Chelsea, in which our club took a constructive position. However, due to a number of technical reasons beyond our control, it is not possible to transfer the player to this summer transfer window. Nevertheless, our club remains open to proposals that will suit Dynamo and the player.
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"At the moment, the parties have decided that Arsene will continue to play for Dynamo. This does not rule out a move for Chelsea in the future and they may have to go for him in the winter window instead. Ultimately, the Blues are going to have to find another way to get a midfielder to sign for the club as soon as possible."
The teenager was left gutted over the big move, telling Russian media: “I hope everything will be fine. Perhaps in winter."
But Chelsea are set to revive their interest in January, boosting his hopes of keeping his Blues dream alive.
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As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are still interested in Zakharyan and there is a plan to follow the highly-rated youngster over the coming months ahead of the January window.
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Chelsea are set to bolster their squad in January, with a goalkeeper and midfielder being targeted to add to new head coach Graham Potter’s squad.
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It comes after the Blues spent in excess of £270 million this summer on nine new recruits, both for the present and future of the squad.
Co-owner Todd Boehly has already offered assurances to Potter and gave a public commitment to supporting the 47-year-old in realising the full potential of his squad.
He said: "We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the Club. Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful Club.
"He has had a major impact at his previous Clubs and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea.
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"We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years."
Matthew Debono