Arsenal are today hoping to put the finishing touches to a £15million deal to sign Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg.

Talks are set to take place with top officials from the Russian club, who are believed to be ready to accept an offer significantly below their original £20m asking price.

It is understood the Gunners have reluctantly acknowledged they will have to break their transfer record for the Russia international which dates back to Sylvain Wiltord's £13m move from Bordeaux in 2001.

Zenit want cash up front for the 27-year-old as they look to reinvest in their squad but Arsenal prefer the deal to include substantial add-ons depending on appearances and performance-related bonuses. The breakdown of how and when money will be paid is the principal issue to be discussed at today's meeting, with the two clubs thought to be close to settling on a total fee in the region of £15m.

If a deal can be reached quickly, Arshavin is expected to join this week. He could even be eligible for Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Cardiff but Arsene Wenger is unlikely to play him so soon. Arshavin's agent, Dennis Lachter, said: "We are hopeful of getting something done soon."

Meanwhile, Gael Clichy has revealed how Wenger is urging Arsenal to invoke the spirit of the 1998 Double-winning side to inspire them to Premier League glory.

Eleven years ago, the Gunners were 13 points adrift of Manchester United in January and clawed back the deficit to claim the title.

Wenger's side are six points behind joint leaders United and Liverpool.

"The boss told us how they came back and won the title," said the defender. "Although this is not the same team, we are going to fight until the end."