Chelsea and Arsenal alerted as Zenit boss Advocaat says Arshavin's future will be decided this week

The Russia forward followed his outstanding performance for Zenit against Rangers in the UEFA Cup final with some dazzling displays for his country as they reached the Euro 2008 semi-finals.  

Russian idol: Andrei Arshavin celebrates after scoring his team's second goal against Sweden at Euro 2008

Barcelona have made an official approach to Zenit, and Chelsea and Arsenal have also been linked with the 27-year-old.  

Former Holland boss Advocaat admits he has no idea where his star player will end up but he expects to see a development in the coming days.  

'Andrei hopes to play elsewhere in Europe and something will happen this week,' Advocaat said 

'He is a good player and would do well in any league in Europe but my advice to him is that it's up to him where he goes.  

'He has to do what he wants, he is the man who will be playing.  

'It is disappointing that he is leaving but that's the way it goes.' 

Zenit had earlier stated they were not holding talks with any club regarding the transfer of Arshavin.  

The club also announced Spanish giants Barcelona were the only club to have made an official approach for the player.  

In a statement, they said: 'FC Zenit informs everyone that, as of this moment, there are no negotiations about Andrei Arshavin's transfer to any club.  

'The only request about the possibility of the forward's transfer was the offer from Barcelona.  

'Information in the media about Zenit's negotiations with Chelsea is not corresponding to the truth.'  

Arshavin was in St Petersburg at the weekend but did not figure in his side's 5-1 thrashing of Tom Tomsk yesterday.  

Arshavin told Sport Express: 'Dick Advocaat says my mind is occupied with other thoughts and therefore until the matter of my contract is resolved it is better to take a break from playing, and I agree with him on that.'