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Russian World Cup star Aleksandr Golovin is understood to have turned down a move to Chelsea to join AS Monaco in the current transfer window.
The 22-year-old had been heavily tipped to join the Blues over the past month but it now appears that Monaco have won the race to acquire his services from CSKA Moscow.
"Monaco and CSKA Moscow today agreed on the transfer of Golovin on a five-year contract," Monaco vice president Vadim Vasilyev told Russian outlet Sport Express.
"Honestly, until the last moment I was not sure that I would be able to co-ordinate this transfer. I believe that Monaco offered more favourable conditions for the club and a more understandable project for the player."
The news is likely to come as a bitter blow for the Blues considering manager Maurizio Sarri had highlighted the Russian as one of his prime targets before next month's transfer deadline.
Chelsea have so far pursued just one signing in the form of Jorginho from Napoli but there is expected to be some activity in the forthcoming weeks with a number of players facing uncertain futures.
Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard and Willian have all been linked with probable exits and the Blues may have a tough time replacing the trio, should things not go their way.
Written by Sri Aswin
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