Chelsea join Arsenal in race for CSKA Moscow star Aleksandr Golovin

Golovin is already a mainstay in the CSKA midfield and was linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer.

Arsene Wenger also confirmed last month that he had requested the 21-year-old’s progress to be monitored by an agent based in Russia.

But The Sun report that Chelsea are keen to complete a deal for the midfielder during the January transfer window.

They add Arsenal have looked at him but the Blues are in the driving seat.

The Premier League champions would also consider allowing the player to remain in Moscow on loan for the rest of the campaign.

Competition for places in Antonio Conte’s midfield is tough and Golovin would be unlikely to make an immediate claim for a spot.

But Chelsea would prefer to secure a deal with CSKA before next summer’s World Cup as an impressive showing from Golovin would only see his stock rise.

The Russian starlet has spent his entire senior career at CSKA Moscow and made his breakthrough during the 2014-15 season.

He has since made 70 appearances for the club scoring seven goals.