Zakharyan signs for Champions League team from La Liga — Chelsea wanted him last year

Last year, Chelsea were actively pursuing the signing of Russian winger Arsen Zakharyan, but the deal never materialised.

Now, there reportedly was interest in the 20-year-old from Strasbourg, a club now firmly inside Chelsea's multi-club model.

However, Zakharyan would not be joining any Chelsea-affiliated club soon. Instead, he has signed a five-year deal with La Liga side Real Sociedad who will compete in the Champions League this season. The fee is thought to be around €13m.

Chelsea have already signed a lot of young talent in the past few weeks instead. Even Moises Caicedo, 21, and Romeo Lavia, 19, qualify despite being the club's biggest purchases this summer.