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Arsenal Set To Beat Rivals Chelsea To Russian Midfielder's Signature
Fresh Football
Arsenal are reportedly close to sealing the signing of Aleksander Golovin, beating London rivals Chelsea to the Russian's signature, shortly after completing a record-breaking deal that sees Alexandre Lacazette move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new season.
The news that the deal is close comes from scout Sandor Varga, who received a call from Arsene Wenger to see if he could go and watch Golovin play for Russia in a game against Mexico. The Arsenal boss could not be present himself, but had received positive feedback on numerous occasions from his other scouts. Varga had this to say on the subject of Golovin's potential move to Arsenal, and the full comments can be found here.
"Arsene Wenger called me, asked me to watch Golovin again. He was going to come but his scout in Russia sent him 6-8 positive reports, so he asked me to watch him instead. Golovin has an interest for Arsenal, money is not a problem. I think Wenger will pay £10m – £15m for him."
The positive reports that Wenger has received can only add substance to the fact that a deal could be close. If it is to go through, it would be Arsenal's second signing in a matter of days after Alexandre Lacazette made the switch to North London in a deal that could be worth up to £52m.
The Russian made thirty appearances for CSKA Moscow last season, and despite playing over half of his games in an attacking midfield position, Golovin managed just three goals and four assists. If he is to be a success in the Premier League, his goal and assists return must improve. However, at just 21-years of age, there would seem to be plenty of potential to improve.
Golovin seems to be a versatile player. The 21-year-old can play anywhere in the midfield from defensive midfield to attacking midfield, and has also made a few appearances out on the left-wing for CSKA Moscow.
The potential signing would bring Arsenal's total summer spend up to over £60m, with other deals potentially in the pipeline with rumours of Riyad Mahrez and Thomas Lemar moving to Arsenal over the next couple of months. Unlike previous transfer windows, Wenger does not appear to be messing around as he looks to mount a Premier League title challenge next season.
Chelsea on the other hand will be disappointed that they look like they will miss out on their latest target and are yet to make their first high profile signing of the summer transfer window. With rumours flying around that Nemanja Matic could switch Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford this summer, Chelsea could have done with reinforcements in the defensive midfield, with Golovin would have brought.
Aleksandr Golovin
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