Chelsea are attempting to hijack Barcelona's bid to sign Russia star Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg.

The attacking midfielder was one of the stars of Euro 2008 and Roman Abramovich is keen to bring him to Stamford Bridge as the Phil Scolari revolution gathers pace.

Shaun Wright-Phillips looks like being the first of many departures as he heads to Portsmouth and the new Brazilian manager has reportedly told striker Didier Drogba that he can leave.

Frank Lampard's future is still uncertain after the arrival of Deco and now interest in Arshavin could push the England midfielder closer to a move to Inter Milan.

Barcelona are favourites to sign Arshavin, who has always wanted to play in the Nou Camp, but Zenit sports director Konstantin Sarsania said: "My understanding was that he would like to go and play abroad. But he isn't only interested in moving to Barcelona.

"There's also Chelsea. Andrei never rejected the idea of moving there. The Chelsea managers know the situation and have already talked to his agent." Arshavin added: "I can't say anything yet. My future may be decided in the next day or may remain unresolved for another six months."

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is determined to strengthen the squad so they can build on their FA Cup triumph of last season and sees Wright-Phillips as a good addition.

Standard Sport revealed in May that the England international was looking to leave Stamford Bridge after getting fed up over his lack of first-team football.

Portsmouth are also close to agreeing a deal with Liverpool for Peter Crouch and Tottenham for defender Younes Kaboul.

Chief executive Peter Storrie has confirmed he expects the club to secure some new players this month.

Storrie said: "We want a balance of English and foreign players at the club but let's not forget that we had three players in the England side a few weeks ago."