Chelsea frustrated as Zenit block Arshavin talks and hike price to £20m

Chelsea have been frustrated in their attempts to complete the capture of Zenit St Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin after the Russian club blocked contract talks in London.

Arshavin was due to in the capital to discuss a move to Stamford Bridge with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and club officials.

Instead, he was called in for training by Zenit even though manager Dick Advocaat confirmed he will not take part in tomorrow's home match against Tomsk.

Indeed, Advocaat admitted Arshavin will not feature for Zenit until his future is sorted out, with Barcelona challenging Chelsea for his signature.

Arshavin is understood to favour a move to Stamford Bridge over the Nou Camp while Abramovich is determined to sign his countryman.

But it seems Zenit are not prepared to give in without a fight and have consequently moved the goalposts on his transfer fee despite both Chelsea and Barca believing they had agreements in place.

His performances in Euro 2008 for Russia have prompted Zenit to up the ante to the tune of £20m – although Arshavin himself was of the understanding that he was free to talk to interested parties willing to pay £12m.

Despite Zenit's hard-line stance, Arshavin will not be swayed from his desire to leave this summer with even the UEFA Cup holders offer of an improvement on his £60,000-a-week wages not enough to convince the 27-year-old to change his mind.