Chelsea are in talks to sign CSKA Moscow midfielder Aleksandr Golovin in a £27m deal after the 2018 World Cup, claims The Daily Telegraph.
Golovin was heavily linked with a high profile move away from CSKA prior to the 2018 World Cup but his reputation has only enhanced this summer.
Juventus have been locked in talks to sign the 22-year-old for weeks but have failed to get a deal over the line and now Chelsea are in pole for his signature.
The Premier League giants are still unsure who their manager will be next season but are confident Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri will replace Antonio Conte.
Chelsea are already running transfer targets by Sarri and the 59-year-old has given the green light to press ahead with a deal for the Russia international.
Golovin’s potential arrival would spell bad news for the likes of Danny Drinkwater, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who are all uncertain about their long-term futures at the club.
Drinkwater looks set to leave after just 12 months at the club, while Barkley is reportedly frurstated with how his time at Chelsea despite only signing in January.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has already confirmed he could be forced to leave Chelsea in search of regular playing time next season, but the Blues have no interest in selling the England international permanently.
Golovin is the seventh highest WhoScored rated player at the 2018 World Cup after playing a direct hand in three goals in two appearances for Russia (one goal, two assists).
TBH before we was linked to him I knew nothing about him. But from all Ive read and seen since I think he could make a great partner for our wee baldy man. Both of them can run all day back and forth. Golo seems to be perfect for Sarris style/ Fast,creative,good passer both short and long. I could see him teaming up well also with Rugani if he comes too. Neither might be a big houshold name and be £100mill but its about putting together a team that will work well together. And not just expensive individuals. Give us upgrades on Morata and Willian and sell all of our deadwood and loanees and put the money into Sarri type of players. Give him the support he will need.