Luis Fabiano or Arshavin

[the wes 7,212]

On the eve of the January transfer window, it appears that Chelsea are working to strengthen their attacking and creative options and they are currently holding talks with the Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Andrei Arshavin and the Sevilla forward Luis Fabiano.

As the negotiations are ongoing, the London club are currently weighing up which of the two deals to push through. They no longer have unlimited resources and at present it appears they will have to settle for one, rather than both, targets.

Manchester City were linked in the press with Fabiano last week, but Sevilla reacted swiftly to state that the Brazilian is not for sale. However, sources close to the discussions with Chelsea have said that the player has pushed for a move after being angered by the Sevilla coach's decision to bench him for the game against Villarreal at the weekend. Fabiano was recently sent off for violent conduct in his side's recent defeat against Barcelona and the 28 year old forward’s indiscipline has tested his relationship with coach Manolo Jimenez, who may also have decided that enough is enough.

After scoring 24 league goals last season, it was thought that Fabiano may have left the Sanchez Pizjuan in the summer, but the complex situation regarding the rights to his contract may have deterred suitors. Yet, with the majority share of his registration in the hands of management group MSI, if Fabiano insists on a move away, as he is doing at the moment, Sevilla may find it difficult to stand in his way.

Andrei Arshavin was linked with a number of clubs last summer after his impressive performance at Euro 2008 helped Russia reach the semi-finals of the competition. However, in spite of interest from the likes of FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur, Zenit drove a hard bargain for the 27-year-old and effectively priced him out of the market; but they now appear to have admitted defeat in their bid to keep him happy playing in Russia.

The Zenit General Manager announced the other day that "We gave Arshavin permission to negotiate directly with other clubs".

Arshavin appears to have jumped at the opportunity to seal a move in January and recently stated that a move to either Manchester United or Chelsea would be particularly appealing in the Premier league. There had been rumours circulating over the last coupe of days claiming that Arshavin is in London and it has now emerged that Arshavin has been in talks with Chelsea over a move to Stamford Bridge.

www.guillembalague.com

[True_Blue 469]

Sell Malouda and get them both

[BlueLion. 21,491]

As above

[diskoviolente 425]

Arshavin played a great EURO this year. Think he would do good in our squad

[the wes 7,212]

Arshavin can play on the winger or behind the striker brilliant option for Chelsea

[chrismada9 1,948]

Andrei Arshavin hands down. He could be the playmaker we so desperately need for our squad!

[Drogba11CFC 108]

Get both of them using the transfer window...

...get rid of Malouda using the first floor window.

[Laylabelle 9,408]

Apprantly we're planning to inore the transfer window

Hopfully thats a load of crap and this ones the righr!!

[Badboy 1,526]

The russian guy would be the best option but i dont like his age.

[Kez 2,727]

We best not ignore it, we need a least one player = Winger!

[bombayblue™ 55]

I can't understand the hype surrounding fabiano.. arshavin i only saw at the EURO's and can't really comment on that..

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Fabiano had an excellent season last year, but has struggled for form this season so far. I'm not convinced by him. Arshavin's quality is undoubted, he first came to my attention during Zenit's UEFA Cup run last year and then had a sensational Euro championships as well.