Russian star Andrei Arshavin set for Chelsea move - reports

MOSCOW, July 3 (RIA Novosti) - Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is close to securing a deal to bring attacking midfielder Andrei Arshavin, the star of Russia's Euro-2008 campaign, to Chelsea soccer club, media reports said on Thursday. The 27-year-old Zenit St. Petersburg player grabbed the attention of top European clubs including Barcelona and Arsenal after leading the Russian attack in impressive victories over Sweden and Holland in the European championship. The Spanish club has reportedly put in an offer of around $24 million. However, Russian tabloid Tvoi Den cited a source close to negotiations with Abramovich's club as saying: "Andrei has just agreed all details of a personal contract with the London club. In the near future, the clubs [Zenit and Chelsea] will sign all documents necessary to close the deal. Andrei... [read full story]