The Andrei Arshavin saga continues to rumble on, as media reports today suggest the Russian's club Zenit St Petersburg are bringing in a friend of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in an attempt to attract a bid from the Blues.

The Daily Express understands that UEFA Cup winners Zenit are tired of Arshavin's agent Dennis Lachter advertising his client to European clubs - predominantly Tottenham - and have brought in agent German Tkachenko to try and entice Chelsea into making an offer they can't refuse.

Spurs were understood to be in prime position to land Arshavin after boss Juande Ramos personally persuaded the 27-year-old attacker to join his White Hart Lane revolution. But there remained a stumbling block over the price and with the transfer deadline looming, it appears time is against Spurs, with Zenit unwilling to lower their valuation.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Russian but have since pulled out and appear more intent on landing Real Madrid star Robinho. But Zenit are thought to have recruited Tkachenko, a friend of Abramovich's, in a final attempt to entice a bid from the Blues.

[Guardian-Series]

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