Dein in Russian Arsenal mystery

His money would represent a crucial boost to plans for the proposed 60,000-seater ground that has been beset with financial problems.

Arsenal, who top the Premiership, have struggled to find banks willing to loan them £260m of the £450m cost of the development and, with on-going delays in the planning process, have pushed back the opening date by a year to the start of the 2006-07 season.

These latest reports over Russian talks will inevitably lead to further speculation of splits in the Arsenal boardroom.

Club director - and largest shareholder - Danny Fiszman has been the driving force behind the move to Ashburton Grove and has repeatedly rejected accusations that the project has spiralled out of control.

Dein is believed to feel the project is too expensive and complicated and would favour a move to the new Wembley.

Any financial backing from a Russian billionaire would be a huge boost to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The Highbury board has been reluctant to release any funds to him because of the need to raise money for their new stadium development.

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, at £1.25m, was Wenger's only significant signing of the summer.

He has also allowed talented youngsters, in striker Francis Jeffers and winger Jermaine Pennant go out on loan in a bid to trim the Highbury wage bill.