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CSKA Moscow wide-man Yuri Zhirkov is reportedly due to
arrive in London this week to sign a four-year contract with
Chelsea.
The 25-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Roman
Abramovich-owned Blues, with former coach Guus Hiddink
reported to have instructed the Russian to splash out on him this
summer.
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was also thought to be pondering a
move for the highly-rated left-sided player - dubbed the 'Russian
Ronaldinho' - who impressed in Russia's run to the semi-finals of
Euro 2008.
While Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin was keen to see his fellow
countryman become a Gunner, whose fans are hopeful of several
experienced heads arriving at the Emirates Stadium to compliment a
squad awash with talented starlets.
Zhirkov has repeatedly insisted he knows nothing of any deal
involving Chelsea, and even recently revealed that he would rather
join European Cup winners Barcelona instead.
However, according to Russian daily Sport Express, the
flying full-back is now set to arrive in England on Wednesday to
become Carlo Ancelotti's first signing as Stamford Bridge boss for
a fee in the region of €20 million.