Chelsea have postponed their pursuit of Dynamo Moscow winger Arsen Zakharyan after they were unable to find a way to finalise the transfer.
The 19-year-old is high on Chelsea's wish list and his £12.6m release clause would normally make a deal easy to complete, but sanctions on Russian sides imposed following the invasion of Ukraine add a major complication to negotiations.
Russian businesses are under strict limitations which restrict the way in which they can receive money and 90min understands that the Blues have hit a legal wall when it comes to paying for Zakharyan.
The player's agent, Rafaela Pimenta, confirmed as much to Sport Express, revealing: "Today it is impossible to close Zakharyan's transfer in the summer transfer window.
"This transfer is not frozen until winter, but it is possible. Now we are still working to ensure that Dynamo can get money from Chelsea."
Chelsea remain hopeful of finalising a deal for Zakharyan further down the line, but for now, the focus is on recruiting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona.
90min understands the Gabon international is due in London for a medical ahead of a permanent deal which will also see left-back Marcos Alonso, who is already in Spain, move in the opposite direction.
There is also interest in Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, who is refusing to train with his side after Chelsea lodged a €50m bid for his services.
Source : 90min