Aleksandr Golovin 'allowed to choose' between Chelsea and Monaco

Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2018 by 101 GREAT GOALS

As per a report from RMC Sport (via GFFN), CSKA Moscow will allow in-demand midfielder Aleksandr Golovin to choose his next destination.

Creative presence

Golovin, a versatile 22-year-old who can play as any of an orthodox central midfielder, attacking midfielder or even on the wing, came up through the youth ranks of CSKA Moscow, before breaking into the club's first-team setup in 2014.

After struggling for game-time as a teen, Golovin went on to establish himself as a regular in the starting XI of Viktor Goncharenko during the 2016/17 campaign, with the gifted midfielder's performances this past season (particularly versus Arsenal in the Europa League) having caught the attention of a number of European heavyweights.

Arsenal and Juventus were the two clubs most persistently-touted as a potential destination for Golovin leading into the summer transfer market, with the latter having even engaged in lengthy negotiations with CSKA.

However, the Bianconeri refused to meet the rumoured 25 million Euro valuation of the capital outfit, with Golovin's price-tag having since been pushed even higher by his impressive performances at the World Cup with Russia:

Stamford Bridge links

CSKA are now said to be demanding a fee of at least 30 million Euro for their star man, though two clubs have seemingly not been deterred by the hike in valuation of the relatively-unproven 23-time capped international.

The first are English giants Chelsea, who's interest in Golovin is said to have been steadily growing over recent weeks.

The midfielder's mother even confirmed ongoing negotiations between the Blues and CSKA at the start of the month, with a move to London having since been viewed as a near-formality.

The second club are Ligue 1 outfit Monaco, who's president, Vadim Vasilyev, confirmed last week that the principality side are very much in the running for the Russian's signature

Nevertheless, though, Chelsea have remained the clear favourites to secure a deal.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JUNE 14: Aleksandr Golovin of Russia scores his sides fifth goal from a free kick during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group A match between Russia and Saudi Arabia at Luzhniki Stadium on June 14, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Take your pick

But, as per the aforementioned update from RMC Sport this evening, the decision regarding where exactly Golovin will end up this summer is reportedly being left up to the player himself.

Both Chelsea and Monaco are said to be in 'advanced negotiations' with CSKA, who, in a rarely seen gesture, would seemingly be happy to allow their star man to make his way to whichever club he deems preferable, with offers of equal value likely on the table from both clubs.

As such, Chelsea's deal looks far from a sure thing, with Golovin likely to be afforded considerably more game-time at Monaco, if he eventually opts for the Stade Louis over Stamford Bridge.