Chelsea enter race for Russia's World Cup star

FA Cup holders Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Aleksandr Golovin from CSKA Moscow during this summer's transfer window.

The Russia international had been closely followed by Arsene Wenger during his time at Arsenal but since his departure, the club appear to have switched their focus elsewhere under new boss Unai Emery.

As such, Chelsea have now emerged as the leading English club interested in Golovin and a potential move could be influenced by the arrival of Maurizio Sarri.

Sarri has been widely tipped to replace Antonio Conte as the Blues' next manager and his appointment is likely to encourage the club's pursuit of the Russian midfielder.

Golovin has been labelled as the poster boy of Russia's World Cup campaign and he started off the tournament in stunning fashion with a goal and two assists in the 5-0 thumping of Saudi Arabia.

Serie A champions Juventus have also expressed an interest in the 22-year-old, who is valued at around £22m by CSKA. He is contracted to the club until June 2021.