Chelsea could launch double transfer raid for Arsenal wonderkid and Russian starlet

The 2022 World Cup has concluded - while it thrilled audiences across the globe, Chelsea’s scouts and manager Graham Potter were working tirelessly to find new stars who could help propel the Blues to glory. Two teenagers have been identified - but will they be playing at Stamford Bridge in the future?

The first is a 15-year-old English talent from Arsenal. While his status as a Gunners player may make it difficult for Chelsea to complete the signing, he would be a fantastic addition for the future.

Additionally, Chelsea are also in the hunt for a 19-year-old midfielder from Dinamo Moscow. Not only does he already have 12 caps for Russia to his name, he’s also made over 50 senior appearances for his current club.

Will either of these two potential signings come to fruition in January? Regardless, here’s the details on who they are.

Chelsea looking to sign Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly reportedly wants Chelsea’s first team to consist of at least 25% academy players by the end of 2030. To help achieve this, he’s looking for the Blues to sign the best young talents from across England - with one the players on the list being Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri, according to HITC.

Ethan Nwaneri made headlines earlier in the year when he became the youngest-ever player to play in the Premier League. At just 15 years old, he was brought on as a substitute by Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta in a game against Brentford.

Arsenal will most likely be unwilling to part with such a promisng wonderkid, especially to one of their bitterest rivals. There is no doubt that the heirarchy at Arsenal will fight tooth and nail to keep Nwaneri in North London - however, him leaving for Chelsea would not be without precedent. The Blues signed 19-year-old Omari Hutchinson from Arsenal in the summer - could we see a repeat of this?

Blues could sign Arsen Zakharyan in January

Young Russian midfielder, Arsen Zakharyan, is reportedly back on the agenda of Chelsea’s scouting network, according to Chelsea News. He was allegedly set to sign for Chelsea back in the summer, but the move was scuppered due to Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

He is also a favourite of Todd Boehly, according to the Chelsea Chronicle. Being just 19 years old, he would fit perfectly into the Chelsea owner’s agenda of signing young players for the future (formally known as “Vision 2030”). As well as this, the Chelsea Chronicle also reports that Zakharyan himself is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

With bags of potential, Zakharyan could be a great addition to Chelsea’s at-times impotent attacking line. An attacking midfielder by trade, he is adept at both scoring and creating goals - despite this, he is unproven in the Premier League.