Chelsea have agreed a £18million fee with CSKA Moscow for Russian international Yury Zhirkov. The star who can play at left back or on the left wing is expected in England to discuss personal terms and have a medical before completing his switch to the Blues.
He has been a target for Chelsea since he impressed at Euro 2008. He was also wanted by Barcelona at the beginning of the summer, but the European champions interest cooled and it looks likely the player will be plying his trade in the Premier League next season and not La liga.
The 25 year old could be Chelsea’s third signing of the summer after they completed the free transfers of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull and Manchester City starlet Daniel Sturridge, although they will have to pay City compensation for the youngster.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he expects the deal to be completed soon saying at his first press conference: “Zhirkov, Sturridge – these are Chelsea players.
“Zhirkov is naturally on the left. I think he can do all the work and can play in defence and in between.”
New manager Carlo Ancelotti also insisted that club captain John Terry will not be leaving the Bridge this summer. Manchester City have already had a massive bid rejected and look likely to bid even more to try and tempt the FA Cup holders into selling.
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