AS Monaco are in discussions to sell midfielder Aleksandr Golovin, with Russian and Saudi Arabian clubs emerging as potential destinations for the longest-serving member of the Ligue 1 side’s squad.
According to Foot Mercato, the Principality club have opened negotiations regarding a permanent transfer for the 30-year-old Russia international. Zenit St Petersburg are specifically named among the Russian sides keen to repatriate the attacking midfielder, though the identities of the interested Saudi clubs remain undisclosed.
A transfer fee in the region of €25 million is under discussion. This would represent a slight loss on the €30 million Monaco paid to CSKA Moscow for Golovin in 2018, but the sale would serve the club’s immediate financial objectives. The Principality outfit are working to raise funds through player sales this summer whilst simultaneously attempting to decrease their wage expenditure.
Golovin has made 267 appearances for Les Monégasques since arriving eight years ago, establishing himself as a mainstay in the squad and witnessing numerous changes in personnel around him. At 30, the playmaker retains significant experience at the top level, having featured consistently in France’s top flight throughout his tenure.
His potential departure would mark the end of a significant era for a player who has spent the entirety of his European club career outside Russia with the French side. While Zenit appear to be leading the chase from his homeland, the involvement of Saudi Arabian clubs suggests Golovin could yet face a decision between returning to familiar surroundings or pursuing the lucrative opportunities increasingly available in the Middle East.
Negotiations remain active, with Monaco motivated to complete the sale to alleviate their financial constraints ahead of the new campaign. The club’s willingness to move on one of their biggest earners underscores the economic pressures facing even established European sides in the current market.