Abramovich has already spent £37 million this summer on just four players, all of whom were English based (Geremi spent last season at Boro, so technically he is English based!). It is also worth noting that none of the are over the age of 24, continuing with the club's policy of reducing the average age of the playing squad.

But it is no secret that Claudio is after a new central midfielder to run the show, with Juan Veron a target.

Speaking to www.espnstar.com, Claudio said "It is important that the team continues to grow. And it is important that we continue to pick up the best players. While the team we had was good, we needed something more and the four new boys will surely add to team.

"We need players with good motivation so that we can continue to blend the team into one that can challenge Manchester United and Arsenal seriously at the top of the Premier League. But with the squad I have now, we will be very, very close to the bigger teams."