Chelsea want to sign Safonov, but FA may block goalkeeper's transfer

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov from Paris Saint-Germain and have held preliminary talks with the French club. However, the main difficulty lies not with PSG, who are reluctant to part with the player.

The primary hurdle could be the strict sanctioning policies of the UK and the position of the Football Association (FA). Due to existing restrictions, there is a high likelihood that Safonov may not obtain a work permit, preventing him from participating in official FA-sanctioned matches. As a result, the negotiation process promises to be extremely complex and risky for all parties involved.