Chelsea unearthed a diamond this summer, but failed to get their hands on their gem when the transfer of Dynamo Moscow's Arsen Zakharyan to Stamford Bridge collapsed due to external forces.

Indeed, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the consequent sporting sanctions imposed on the country and Russian athletes, the acquisition slipped into the puddle after agreeing upon a £12.6m fee.

Since then, the Evening Standard recently revealed that the Blues have maintained their concrete interest that arrived in the summer.

Speaking to Sport24, the player said: "I immediately discovered that I wanted to go. “I do not dismiss the option of returning [to Dynamo] on loan but at least I would try myself [at Chelsea], then I'll be back. Maybe it would be possible to start playing there right away.

“I hope that the negotiations will continue in the winter and they will lead somewhere.”

Lampard 2.0

The blistering form that struck Zakharyan into prominence like a lightning bolt truly took shape last year, when the ace struck nine goals and nine assists from 34 appearances in Russia, earning plaudits for his destructive nature despite his tender age.

This season, the 19-year-old has plundered three goals and six assists from 22 appearances, and the offensive-minded midfielder is beginning to display the promising signs of a world-class budding talent.

With that in mind, one can only imagine the creative energy he might nurture and develop at Chelsea, perhaps emulating the iconic success of another forward-thinking midfielder named Frank Lampard.

Lampard, who went on to have a managerial stint with the Blues after his tremendous playing career, scored 211 goals and assisted 145 more across 648 appearances for the west London giants, basking in a prosperous footballing journey that left him with a wealth of major honours including three Premier League trophies, the Champions League and four FA Cup triumphs.

If Zakharyan can harness his “exciting potential” - as lauded by Bence Bocsak - then he could go on to forge a very successful career indeed with the Blues, flourishing under the tutelage of Graham Potter, who knows a trick or two about man management.

As per Sofascore, the maestro has recorded an average rating of 7.33 in the Russian Premier Liga this term, taking 1.3 shots per game and displaying his creative flair with 2.7 key passes.

Creative and possessing a dangerous eye for goal, Zakharyan certainly shows plenty of shades of Lampard, arriving late in the penalty area from his central berth to beat the goalkeeper on an all too regular basis.

Quite simply, he would be a fine addition to a Chelsea team at the beginning of a new dawn, an offensive centrepiece from the middle of the park to craft a career that could ascend him to the very top, with Chelsea reaping the rewards.