Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a shock summer swoop for CSKA Moscow superstar Aleksandr Golovin in a bid to bolster their squad for next campaign
Chelsea have emerged triumphant in the current season of the Premier League. However, with the club now set to begin defending their crown next campaign along with the added pressure of Champions League football, the Blues need heavy reinforcements to their current squad – one that is very thin by regular league standards.
And if reports from the Daily Mail are to believed, Antonio Conte and Michael Emenalo are discussing several summer targets, with CSKA Moscow star Aleksandr Golovin emerging as a shock name that is on the Blues’ radar for the upcoming transfer window.
The report adds that initial enquiries over the possibility of a transfer have already taken place, with Chelsea being made aware that the player is likely to cost around £20 million, which as per the Blues chiefs will represent value for money, given the ability and future potential.
Aleksandr Golovin is a 20-year-old attacking midfielder who has emerged from the CSKA Moscow academy setup. The player has gone on to establish himself as a regular in the first-team setup while also establishing himself in the Russian National Team.
Chelsea are eyeing 20-year-old Russian attacking midfielder Aleksandr Golovin. (Source – Mail on Sunday)
— Kristian Sturt (@FootieWriter) May 21, 2017
Chelsea want to make CSKA Moscow’s £20m-rated midfielder Aleksandr Golovin their first summer signing https://t.co/Dx4lqDuNqX pic.twitter.com/sM5X3bxAUP
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) May 21, 2017
This season alone, Golovin featured in every Russian Premier League and Champions League game for his club, with a return of 3 goals and 4 assists in the league alone. And the player is expected to kick on in the upcoming seasons.
However, Conte’s current system does not warrant an attacking midfielder in the team and Golovin will have to play either on the wing or in the pivot role – both of which the player has shown to have the pedigree of playing, having featured for CSKA Moscow at both left-wing and in the holding midfield on numerous occasions.
Also, Cesc Fabregas has been continuously linked with an exit from the club and should the player leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, Golovin could take up the role.
Thus, Conte could really do with a versatile player who can fill in any void left by any player as a result of injuries or fatigue or in case the Italian manager decides to tinker. Also at 20, the player does represent an investment in youth and the value of the player is only likely to increase as he continues development.
However, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will move on to an advanced stage in the pursuit of the 20-year-old or whether they will focus their attention elsewhere. Golovin, on the other hand, will be happy to have such a huge club interested in his services, which will serve as a huge validation of his positive progress.
