Arshavin join Chelsea?

News sources say that Russia Andrei Arshavin is close to joining Chelsea as the Blues up the ante for rising star.

The Russian international has attracted a number of admiring clubs after two spectacular performances Euro 2008 against Sweden and the Netherlands.

And while Barcelona appears to be headed in the race to sign Arshavin, Chelsea last-minute bid may be attracted away from Camp Nou and tempting to Fort Knox that is Stamford Bridge.

It was reported on Wednesday that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had told Luiz Felipe Scolari wanted a compatriot of his squad in next season and Big Phil now seems to have found their man in the form of Arshavin.

The Zenit St Petersburg talent has already flown to London to undergo a medical with The Blues according to reports from Russia and hell Scolari become the second summer signing, following in the footsteps of Deco.

Although the Zenit has been increasingly about his desire not to rush Arshavin sale, it seems that Chelsea the big money supply will be sufficient to capture the 27-year-old, who played a crucial role in Zenit Cup Uefa success of last season.