EXCLUSIVE: BLUES ZERO IN ON DZEKO

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti – so far frustrated in his attempts to sign superstars of the calibre of Kaka, David Villa and Franck Ribery this summer – has asked owner Roman Abramovich to instead go for one of the most exciting young strikers in Europe.

Dzeko, 23, scored 26 goals last season as unfancied Wolfsburg stormed to the Bundesliga title.

Ancelotti’s old club AC Milan have been tracking Dzeko all summer but have been repeatedly rebuffed by Wolfsburg, while Arsenal have also been on his trail.

But Abramovich is confident that Chelsea’s financial power can finally persuade Dzeko to leave Germany.

Chelsea expect to complete the £18m signing of CSKA Moscow wide-man Yuri Zhirkov after yesterday confirming that Daniel Sturridge has joined from Manchester City.