Chelsea have reportedly reignited their interest in Russian playmaker Aleksandr Golovin, with the CSKA Moscow star also a target for Manchester United.
According to Italian publication Tuttosport, the number of suitors for Aleksandr Golovin has increased, with Chelsea and Juventus both showing interest in the Russian international. Golovin is already a target for Manchester United while also being linked with the likes of Arsenal and other top clubs.
Aleksandr Golovin had a mildly successful 2017-18 campaign with CSKA Moscow, if we go by the numbers. But, on the pitch, he has always been proactive, looking to find goalscoring opportunities for himself or create the same for his teammates. The 22-year-old’s industry and vision are his primary attributes while his versatility also adds an extra dimension to his list of abilities.
The player is set to star for Russia at the World Cup, where the hosts have been pit against the likes of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Golovin will have several scouts in attendance keeping a keen eye on his performances, with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Juventus interested in the player.
Manchester United have a dearth of central midfield options heading into the summer. Marouane Fellaini is likely to leave on a free transfer and Michael Carrick has called time on his illustrious footballing career to take up a spot in the backroom staff at the club.
There’s also a lack of options for the number 10 position as well, with Jesse Lingard and Alexis Sanchez the only players likely to be considered as an option for the said role. Jose Mourinho is keen to add depth to his squad and Golovin’s pursuit might just be one of the many he will consider in order to fulfil the same.
At Chelsea, the problem is slightly different. Antonio Conte used a 3-5-2 for the majority of the 2017-18 campaign. But, the fitness struggles of Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley meant that the Italian had just three first-team players at his disposal at all times – Tiemoue Bakayoko, N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas.
Regardless of whether the Italian stays or leaves, Danny Drinkwater is likely to be offloaded by Chelsea. Thus, the need for addition to the central midfield options is paramount at the Bridge. It is interesting to note that Chelsea were, at one point, tipped to be closing in on a deal to sign Aleksandr Golovin.
While the aforementioned rumours have since been proven false as time passed, Chelsea reigniting their interest in the Russian international means that they are prepared to battle Manchester United and Juventus in pursuit of the 22-year-old.
All deals though, are likely to be held off until the end of the World Cup, or at least Russia’s campaign at the event. And if Golovin does manage to put in impressive shifts for his nation, we could see Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus find more competition to battle in order to land the playmaker.
