Monaco announce signing of Russian World Cup star Golovin

AS Monaco announced Friday they have completed a deal for CSKA Moscow's Russian star, Aleksandr Golovin.

It was reported earlier this week the 22-year-old would make a €30-million switch to the Ligue 1 side. CSKA confirmed on their website that "the transfer fee will be record-breaking in our club history."

Golovin told Monaco's website: "I am very happy to sign at AS Monaco. This is a new adventure for me that I approach with a lot of ambitions. I am now very much looking forward to meeting the staff and my new teammates and to get going."

The midfielder, who can play centrally or in a more attacking role, has signed a five-year deal at Monaco after starring at the World Cup for Russia. He played every minute of the home nation's run to the quarter-finals while contributing one goal and two assists.

Other European clubs had been credited with having strong interest in the midfielder, and Chelsea were long identified as a leading suitor. Ironically, the Blues have been beaten to the punch by their former technical director, Michael Emenalo, who took up a similar role with Monaco last year. Golovin will now line up in a new-look midfield for the French side after the departures of Fabinho and Joao Moutinho.

Monaco CEO Vadim Vasilyev said: "(Golovin) is a talented young player, very prominent during the World Cup, but we have been following him for a long time. He already has solid experience in Russian first division and internationally. Despite the competition of very large European clubs, Aleksandr has chosen the sporting project of AS Monaco, which will offer him the best conditions to continue his progress."

Monaco's season kicks off with the Trophee des Champions curtain-raiser against Ligue 1 winner Paris Saint-Germain on Aug. 4.