Why I Turned Down Chelsea To Join Real Sociedad – Zakharyan

Arsen Zakharyan has revealed that he is relieved he decided against joining Chelsea since there were “more interesting” options available.

The Blues first expressed interest in the Russian forward about a year ago. When they first became interested in the 20-year-old last summer, they were prepared to use the release clause in his Dynamo Moscow contract, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine complicated the plan. 

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Todd Boehly took action in an effort to finalise a deal for the forward. Rumours said that Zakharyan will initially sign with Strasbourg, a team affiliated with Chelsea, with the goal of eventually transferring to Stamford Bridge. However, a deal fell through, and the Russian international decided to sign a six-year contract with Real Sociedad in Spain.

Since moving to LaLiga, Zakharyan has acknowledged that he had discussions with Chelsea but that he wasn’t really excited about relocating to West London. 

He said: “I realised that I was already a Real player when I signed. When I couldn’t fly for the first time, I didn’t understand anything. I thought I could fail. I didn’t understand anything about my future, I was in limbo. Fortunately, everything worked out. I was nervous, very nervous. For me it was more interesting to come to Real than to Chelsea. It was also a more realistic option. And here I am.”

Following several lucrative campaigns with Dynamo Moscow, Zakharyan moves for the Basque country. He made 89 appearances for the team in all competitions before leaving, scoring 19 goals and providing 25 assists. He played for his new club in two games before the international break and made two substitute appearances.

Zakharyan will be hoping to play when Sociedad visits the Santiago Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid the following Saturday.