Last Updated: Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:24
Andrei Arshavin's move to Barcelona could be scuppered after it was revealed Chelsea have held talks with his agent.
The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker attracted a whole host of interest after his impressive performances in Euro 2008 helped Russia make the semi-finals, and he had stated that Spain was his preferred destination.
Barcelona were believed to be favourites to land the player, but now a spokesman for Zenit has revealed that Chelsea are in line to make a move for the 27-year-old after opening talks with his agent.
"On Thursday, players from the national team return to our training camp," Zenit spokesman Konstantin Sarsania told the Daily Star.
"Arshavin and his agent Pavel Andreev are to clarify their position with us then.
"We do not want to sell Arshavin. That's exactly why we need Andrei to meet the bosses of the club - to understand what he is really after.
"My understanding was that he would like to go and play abroad. But he isn't only interested in moving to Barcelona.
"There's also Chelsea. Andrei never rejected the idea of moving there.
"The Chelsea managers know the situation and have already talked to his agent."