Is Aleksandr Golovin a good signing for Chelsea? Everything you need to know about the 22-year-old Russian World cup star
Chelsea are reportedly close to making their first signing of this transfer window and according major reports from Italy, Russia and England this deal is as good as done. Russian star Aleksandr Golovin is heading to Stamford bridge.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus who were his potential destination have decided they won’t offer more than €20m for Golovin, with Chelsea significantly increasing their proposal in the last 24 hours.
Proposed new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri already wanted Aleksandr Golovin at Napoli and could now make him his first signing at Stamford Bridge.
And with Roman Abramovich a close pal and compatriot of CSKA Moscow owner Yevgeny Giner, This deal shouldn't take long to be concluded even though He is currently taking part in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World cup.
Who is Aleksandr Golovin?
At the age of just 22, Aleksandr Golovin is considered by many to be just about the best playmaker in Russia at the moment. It is hard to believe the composition and intelligence belongs to a man not long out of his teens, and one who has become the creative lynchpin for both club and country.
Golovin has grown through the youth system of CSKA Moscow, the club with which he signed as a 16-year-old with skills acquired originally from playing futsal, and has established himself in the starting line-up over the past two seasons and is already the owner of a Russian championship winners medal, clinching the title with ‘The Army Men’ in 2016.
Golovin’s progression to date can be measured by the fact only four years ago he was part of the brilliant 2013 UEFA U-17 European Championships winning Russia team and has since graduated to impress on senior international duty as well as for club. He started six league games during CSKA’s title winning season, before going on to make 30 starts in 2016/17 and 25 starts last season including 11 European appearances in both UEFA competitions.
After scoring two goals in his first three international appearances as a 19-year-old, wonderkid Golovin earned the moniker ‘the Russian Ronaldo’ from some corners of the press. Slutsky had this to say about his charge.
“In the Russia national team, I care about Golovin more than the rest. Not because he is from CSKA, but because he is the youngest of them. And you saw what happened [he scored twice in three senior games] – with statistics like that, you can leave the national team with your head held high.”
Golovin is a grounded young man, seemingly unfazed by potential riches and the many nonsenses in which young Russian stars indulge. Money certainly won’t be a factor should he stay or go, a move that would see one thrive and the other falter should a move materialize in the near future.
He's currently made 2 appearances in the ongoing FIFA World cup with a goal and 2 assists and have booked a tie with former World champion Spain in the Round 16. He was also the first guy to score from direct free kick in the competition on the opening day agaisnt Saudi Arabia.
With Chelsea already on the look out for potential Cesc Fabregas replacement in the midfield as the creative engine, Golovin may just be the guy to take up the mantle from the Spaniard. He also has the vision, skills, intelligence and calmness of ex-chelsea star Oscar as Chelsea are finding it difficult to replace the Brazilian in the no 10 role ever since he left.
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| Golovin playing for CSKA Moscow last season |
Chelsea will be signing one the brightest stars in world football if they eventually get the deal over the line, and it is also little surprise that Chelsea have been captivated with his performances at the ongoing FIFA World cup.
Credit: Daniel Armstrong
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