If the deal is completed, Zhirkov will become Chelsea’s first signing of the summer, and will end a frustrating start to the transfer window for the club looking to bolster their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

So far, Chelsea, who came third in the domestic league and reached the Champions League semifinals, have failed to sign any of their transfer targets because of their reluctance to pay what they deem excessive transfer fees or wages, as the billions of Roman Abramovich make other clubs demand more.

Zhirkov has been a target for many of Europe’s top clubs after an impressive performance at the European championships. However, after team Russia head coach Guus Hiddink spent a few months at Stamford Bridge as a crisis manager, Zhirkov’s chances of moving to London significantly increased. Before leaving the club, Hiddink recommended its owner to closely watch Zhirkov in action. A Chelsea representative visited the World Cup qualifier between Finland and Russia in Helsinki (the game ended 3-0 to Russia). He then characterized the player’s performance as “exceptionally effective and intelligent”.

The Russian international, who was nominated for European Footballer of the Year last October, is expected to provide both cover and competition for left-winger Florent Malouda. However, Zhirkov may also play as a left back winger or left midfielder.