Monaco appear to have beaten Chelsea to the signing of Aleksandr Golovin with the French club’s vice-president Vadim Vasilyev confirming they have a agreed a deal for the Russia international.

Golovin had been heavily linked with a move to both clubs after starring for his country at this summer’s World Cup, but it appears Monaco have won the battle for his signature, with the deal expected to be officially concluded over the coming days.

The news of Golovin’s decision will come as a blow to Chelsea, as new Blues boss Maurizio Sarri has previously stated that he wants to bolster his midfield ranks, while a deal had looked likely last week when the 22-year-old’s CSKA Moscow team-mate, Sergey Chepchugov, hinted a move to Stamford Bridge was on the cards.

Vasilyev has now confirmed his Monaco side were in a direct battle with Chelsea to sign Golovin and he believes the midfielder has opted to move to Ligue 1 as he favours the project on offer at the Stade Louis II.

“Monaco and CSKA this afternoon finally agreed on the transfer of Golovin,” Vasilyev told Russia publication Sport Express.

“They really were complicated. Honestly, until the last moment I was not sure that I would be able to coordinate this transfer.

“Our main competitor was Chelsea. I believe Monaco offered more favourable conditions for the club and a more understandable project for Golovin.”

Golovin’s impending arrival at Monaco will boost the Principality’s chances of challenging for the Ligue 1 title this season and they are priced at 13.00 to top the standings come the end of the campaign.