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Where next for Iranian star Sardar Azmoun?

Sardar Azmoun

Enjoying what looks set to be the best season of his professional football career, Sardar Azmoun has been exceptional in the Russian Premier League, helping Zenit St. Petersburg march to their second consecutive title.

Inevitably, such form this year has led to all manner of talk surrounding his future with Zenit. As one of their leading players, the Russian club are undoubtedly keen to retain the services of Azmoun for the foreseeable future. However, interest from elsewhere has inevitably been growing, with scouts from numerous clubs around Europe monitoring his performances.

Back in June of this year, The Sun linked Azmoun with a potential move to Premier League side Arsenal. However, those rumours were swiftly dismissed by former Gunners forward Andrey Arshavin, who is now part of the sports directive at Zenit and provides the club with advice on transfer dealings.

Arshavin later admitted that while agents of the player had made tentative enquiries, there hadn't been any direct contact between Arsenal and Zenit. The iconic former Russia international recognised that while some interest exists at the London club, no formal approach had been made and nothing was formal.

Azmoun is also a vital component of the national team, which is currently coached by Dragan Skocic. Should they make it to the next World Cup in 2022, the latest international football betting odds for Iran have them priced as 250/1 outsiders to win the tournament. If they are to reach the finals in Qatar and perform well, obviously, they will be reliant on the 25-year-old for goals and match-winning moments.

Following the departure of Marc Wilmots as head coach, Team Melli tasked the Croatian manager with turning their fortunes around, following a disappointing run in the World Cup qualifiers under his Belgian predecessor. That decision was apparently met with initial scepticism from Azmoun, although he later claimed that Skocic was the right choice to lead Iran to the World Cup.

“Skocic is a better coach than Wilmots,” suggested Azmoun, in comments highlighted by the Tehran Times. This came after talks between the player and his new national team coach, with the 25-year-old forward apparently convinced by the “winning spirit” that Skocic had shown, during their conversations.

Meanwhile, it looks as though Azmoun could be facing some tough decisions regarding his club future. According to current Whoscored.com statistical data, the Iranian star has been one of the top players in the Russian Premier League this season, just behind his Zenit teammate Artem Dzyuba. This will inevitably lead to continued rumours of potential moves elsewhere.

Along with the much talked about interest from Arsenal, transfer gossip columns in Italy and Spain have also been buzzing with rumours of interest from those countries. Sevilla sporting director Monchi is reported to be tracking Azmoun, with his club preparing to play in the Champions League next season. Likewise, after Napoli fell short of their Serie A expectations, the Iranian features amongst their targets in an effort to rebuild the squad.

Whatever the immediate future holds for Azmoun, his abundance of talent and ability is greatly admired. Zenit are unlikely to let the player go without a fight, although with no shortage of potential suitors at leading clubs throughout Europe, it seems almost inevitable that a new adventure elsewhere awaits in the coming months.