Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have developed a new-found rivalry over the past 12 months and this summer, that rivalry is set to strengthen thanks to Aleksey Batrakov.
There has always been a tension between the two sides, but it really came to the boil last summer when Chelsea shocked all and beat the European champions to win the Club World Cup, a 3-0 win in the final.
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Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates
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That rivalry was evident in the first 60 minutes of Chelsea’s first-leg defeat to PSG in the last 16 of this season’s Champions League. Chelsea would go on to win the tie 5-2, and then 3-0 in the second leg.
Now, another chapter to that rivalry. Ahead of the summer, Chelsea were among the Premier League clubs scouting Lokomotiv Moscow wonderkid Aleksey Batrakov but PSG have now made their move.
PSG set to win race for Aleksey Batrakov ahead of Chelsea
Still only 20, 11-time Russia star Batrakov is considered one of the brightest talents ever produced in his home nation. He’s already played 79 times at senior level for Lokomotiv Moscow, shining this season.
Indeed, the playmaker’s form has reached new heights over the past 12 months. The forward has had a hand in 29 goals during 2025-26, despite only playing 36 times. That form has attracted attention.
Spartak Moscow v Lokomotiv Moscow - Russian Premier League
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According to TeamTalk, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs had been watching the Russian gem but PSG have made their move to lure him to Paris this summer. The situation involving Russia has had an impact.
British clubs are barred from doing business with Russian sides and as a result, the likes of Chelsea have been forced to watch on as PSG nab one of Europe’s most-exciting talents. He has a contract until 2029.
Batrakov would have been the fourth Russian to play for Chelsea
Chelsea, of course, are well-liked in Russia thanks to previous owner Roman Abramovich. That is, even if Abramovich left BlueCo with debts that eventually affected the takeover fee paid by Todd Boehly in 2022.
Clearlake will NOT sell Chelsea, they are prepared to buy out Todd Boehly and increase their stake even more 💰
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Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg
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Despite that connection with Russia, only three Russian players have ever turned out for the Blues. In the 90’s, goalkeeper Dmitri Kharine clocked up 146 appearances during a seven-year stint in West London.
During the early Abramovich years, Alexey Smertin was bought from Bordeaux but would only play 26 times in all competitions before going on loan to Portsmouth and Charlton, before returning to Moscow.
The third and final Russian to play for Chelsea was left-back Yuri Zhirkov, one of Russia’s finest-ever left-sided players. He played 49 times during his two-year stint at Chelsea before his return to Russia in 2011.
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