Everton are keeping tabs on promising Russian international midfielder Arsen Zakharyan ahead of the January transfer window.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Merseyside giants Everton are keeping a close eye on Dynamo Moscow’s talented young midfielder Arsen Zakharyan.
The 18-year-old is not just a regular for the Russian club but also for the Russian national side. Despite his young age, he has already won four caps for the country. With three goals and seven assists in 15 games for Dynamo, the teenager has impressed with his consistency.
This has seen him garner the attention of Everton, who could do with some intelligent additions in January. The Blues are going through a poor run of results preceded by what can only be described as a spate of injuries.
While the injuries to Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin made life hard for the Toffees, their issues in midfield run much deeper. Abdoulaye Doucoure suffered a metatarsal stress fracture while Tom Davies injured himself against Tottenham Hotspur and is still out of action.
Andre Gomes has been sidelined since September, and Fabian Delph is arguably past his best. With Jean-Philippe Gbamin’s situation remaining unclear and Allan picking up a knock against Manchester City, Everton will need to splash the cash in January.
In Zakharyan, they might have the perfect answer. Available for around €10 million, the 18-year-old is someone who can become a key player for the Toffees over the next decade. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder and on the right, he will offer Rafael Benitez different options when needed.
As things stand, contact appears to be made, and discussions are proceeding smoothly. Whether it will prove enough to get the deal over the line remains to be seen. While Zakharyan still has ways to go and attributes to pick up, he will at the very least provide cover for numerous positions.
Zakharyan made his debut for Russia at 18 years, three months and five days. He overtook Alan Dzagoev as the youngest outfield player to ever don the country’s colours. Everton can certainly steal a march on the opposition by moving fast for the teenager. After all, the quoted price is a snip, given the player’s immense potential.
Not only is the youngster an excellent set-piece taker, but he has shown the vision to make key passes and kickstart attacks. As long as he continues to develop at the same rate, it is a matter of time before he establishes himself at the top level.