Oh, that Roman Abramovich is a sly one! The Russian billionare owner has been lying in the weeds for the last week, watching as his top summer target inched closer, and closer to a possible move to Real Madrid or Barcelona. And just when you thought Roman was going to be content watching his new striker walk away, he jumps out of his hiding spot and pulls one over on the competition!
The Guardian is reporting that Abramovich was getting tired of waiting for Zenit striker Andrei Arshavin to pick Chelsea, so he decided to take matters into his own hands by offering £12m to the club for the one man he can’t seem to live without!
The club’s owner Roman Abramovich is believed to have personally intervened to ensure the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker, who shone at Euro 2008, will opt for a move to London over Barcelona or Real Madrid and is preparing a £12m bid.
An unnamed source at Arshavin’s club was quoted as saying: “Chelsea have been in contact, a deal agreed and Arshavin will fly to London to discuss personal terms.” (Guardian)
Abramovich made it clear that he wanted at least one Russian at the club this season, so you’d have to assume that Arshavin is ‘that’ guy.
Are Chelsea supporters excited about having Arshavin at the club next year? Do you think he’s worth the £12m transfer fee?