The 19-year-old is thought to be Graham Potter's team's top target after recently becoming a breakout star in his native Russia.
After scoring seven goals and eight assists in 29 league games last season, Zakharyan has three goals and six assists in 20 games this season in the Premier Liga and Russian Cup.
The midfielder, who joined Dynamo Moscow's academy in 2017 after leaving Akron Konoplev, has amassed 15 goals and 20 assists in 67 professional outings.
Zakharyan's contract with the Russian team is set to end in the summer of 2024, and before a transfer didn't materialize, he was connected with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Zakharyan is now confirmed to be in discussions with the Blues over a future move, but his representative Pavel Andreev has admitted that negotiations are not proving to be straightforward.
“How are the negotiations with Chelsea going? Let’s not talk about that for now. This is a rather complex story with a lot of introductory,” Andreev told Championat. “Arsen needs to get better every day and progress. He works very hard – it makes us very happy.”
Zakharyan himself recently confirmed that he was the subject of firm interest from Chelsea, but he kept his cards close to his chest when asked about a possible move by Sport-Express.
“I don’t think about it now. You can ask the club, my representatives. I think it’s all right. Negotiations are underway. But I will not reveal all the cards,” Zakharyan said.
Zakharyan reportedly possesses a £12.6m release clause in his contract with Dynamo Moscow, which Chelsea were willing to pay in order to bring him to the Premier League over the summer.
However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine led to subsequent sanctions and FIFA rulings, which meant that Zakharyan could not complete his proposed switch, but Chelsea have been expected to reignite their interest in January.
Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the midfielder, who also has one assist to boast from six appearances for the Russia national team.
Zakharyan has featured in both of Russia’s friendlies with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan this month following the nation’s expulsion from World Cup qualifying, with the two games ending 0-0.
The teenager has demonstrated his versatility by playing on both wings as well as in his favoured number 10 role during the early stages of his club career.
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