Chelsea have postponed their pursuit of Dynamo Moscow winger Arsen Zakharyan after they were unable to find a way to finalize the transfer, 90min reports.
The 19-year-old is high on Chelsea's wish list and his £12.6m release clause would normally make a deal easy to complete, but sanctions on Russian sides imposed following the invasion of Ukraine add a major complication to negotiations.
Russian businesses are under strict limitations which restrict the way in which they can receive money and 90min understands that the Blues have hit a legal wall when it comes to paying for Zakharyan.
The player's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, confirmed as much to Sport Express, revealing: "Today it is impossible to close Zakharyan's transfer in the summer transfer window.
"This transfer is not frozen until winter, but it is possible. Now we are still working to ensure that Dynamo can get money from Chelsea."
Dynamo later released a statement which read: "On August 25, Dynamo received an offer from Chelsea regarding a transfer. However, due to a number of technical reasons beyond our control, it is impossible to transfer the player.
"It was decided that Arsen would continue to play for Dynamo."
Chelsea remain hopeful of finalising a deal for Zakharyan further down the line, but for now, the focus is on recruiting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona.
In October 2020, Zakharyan, who is of Armenian descent, was chosen as one of the 60 of the best young talents in world football among the players born in 2003 by The Guardian.
