Chelsea have suffered a huge blow as top target Aleksandr Golovin joins AS Monaco on a five-year contract.
AS Monaco have confirmed the signing of Aleksandr Golovin, despite being linked with a move to Chelsea this summer. The CSKA Moscow starlet joins the Ligue 1 giants on a five-year contract. Although there has been no mention of the transfer fee in the official statement, it is reported to be around €30 million.
Last week, Golovin’s CSKA Moscow teammate Sergey Chepchugov hinted that the midfielder could be heading to Stamford Bridge. But, as it seems, the Blues will now have to consider other options after Monaco vice-president revealed that the player himself felt that the French outfit offered a better opportunity.
“I am very happy to sign at AS Monaco. This is a new adventure for me that I approach with a lot of ambitions. I am now very much looking forward to meeting the staff and my new teammates and to get going” – Golovin said during his presentation.
This could be a huge blow for Chelsea, who have been credited with an interest on the Russian international ever since his breakout in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Indeed, the 22-year-old was one of Russia’s standout players as the host nation surprised everyone to reach the quarterfinals of the coveted tournament. He registered two assists and one goal – the goal coming from a delightful freekick in the opening game against Saudi Arabia – ultimately becoming Russia’s second most productive player in the competition behind Denis Cheryshev.
Golovin has also impressed at club level as well. After making his debut against Mordovia Saransk back in 2015, the midfielder has gradually become an integral part of CSKA Moscow’s senior side.
He notably featured in 27 games last season, scoring five goals and mustering four assists as the Armeitsy finished just two points behind champions Lokomotiv Moscow.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have had a fair share of troubles in the midfield department. Despite the addition of Napoli superstar Jorginho, the newly appointed Maurizio Sarri feels there is a pinch of quality missing in midfield. This was reflected in the rather disappointing performances of Danny Drinkwater and Tiemoue Bakayoko last season.
Thus, the addition of another top quality midfielder is imperative for the Blues and Aleksandr Golovin could have been the perfect candidate.
Aside from his qualities in the centre of the pitch, what made Golovin such an appealing target for the Premier League was his inexpensive price-tag.
A fee of just €30 million is basically a snip in today’s market, especially for a club like Chelsea and if that measly sum is spent on someone as good as Golovin, it’s definitely a bargain. Thus, there’s no wonder why Monaco are delighted to have secured the services of this highly talented Russian international, who can be an asset to the club in the coming years.
