Arsene Wenger is once again linked with this star turn and now it appears that one of the big stumbling blocks to a potential signing has been removed!
Arsenal have emerged as favourites to sign Andrei Arshavin after Chelsea ended their interest in the Russian playmaker yesterday. Arshavin has his heart set on a move to London because he believes it will be more valuable for his children to learn English than Spanish.
The Russian forward, who excelled at Euro 2008, is expected in London this week after his coach at Zenit St Petersburg, Dick Advocaat, gave him 12 days off to resolve his future.
A source close to the Russia playmaker explained that Arshavin, who values education sufficiently to have completed a university diploma in fashion design, is keen for his two-year-old son, Artyom, and his three-month-old daughter Yulia, to experience life in Britain.
Another source has confirmed that Arshavin has already made plans to learn English: “One of the main conditions [on Arshavin’s part] is studying English. That’s why a translator will be near Andrei when he arrives in London. He will teach him intensively for two months.”
Arshavin, 27, is seeking an annual contract of £6.3 million, while Zenit are holding out for at least a £20 million transfer fee. (Telegraph)
Depending on who you believe Arsenal either have countless resources to pull from as Wenger looks to improve his squad or they don’t have any cash at all! However given the seemingly imminent sales of Hleb and Adebayor they will have a huge wad to put towards the likes of this Russian genius. Arshavin, and I realise I am probably preaching to the converted with this statement, is sheer class, a real gem of a player who Arsene would not let slip out of his grasp if the chance presented itself. Could the signing really happen? Barcelona are also interested but then they have been connected with just about everyone, and if they are forking out 40m+ for the two Arsenal men and have already paid 23.5m on Daniel Alves, then surely they can’t keep accruing players indefinitely so maybe the Emirates side have a chance of capturing the Russian? Do Gunners fans think that Andrei could be the missing pieces of the Premier League title glory jigsaw?