Chelsea are not in the best of positions in this transfer market after signing only two players to boost their squad, one a sure starter while the other is only a third choice goalkeeper, and after losing out on Aleksandr Golovin, the situation at Stamford Bridge needs SOS attention.
Golovin seemed a sure arrival at SW6, until the late news that he was set for medicals at AS Monaco sent chills down the spine of Chelsea fans. The club knew he was a hot target this transfer window but didn’t act fast enough as the French giants triumphed in the chase for him.
The defeat in that two-horse race now sends Chelsea looking into other holes for answers as other options come more expensive and complicated to negotiate.
But this was equally a tough deal to negotiate as according to Monaco chief Vadim Vasilyev, the player was convinced to choose the French giants due to the offer ‘a more understandable sports project’.
“Monaco and CSKA this afternoon finally agreed on the transfer of Golovin. They really were complicated. Honestly, until the last moment, I was not sure that I would be able to coordinate this transfer. In addition to Chelsea, there was Juventus for Golovin. In early May this year I heard from one the leaders of the Turin club that Aleksandr’s transfer to their team was a done deal.
However, our main competitor was Chelsea. I believe Monaco offered more favourable conditions for the club and a more understandable sports project for Golovin. Chelsea—this is a top club, which I treat with great respect. However, the midfield in the English team is overloaded. In my opinion, Golovin will definitely play in any of the leading clubs in the world. But it will [give] him some time, a transition stage.”
Vadim Vasilyev, Metro
