The gloves are off in the bidding for the diminutive Russian playmaker, with Barcelona and a Premier League club making recent bids for the Zenit midfielder. According to Sky Sports, the Catalan giants started the bidding at £12million, with this offer being firmly rebuffed. Now an English club has got in on the act with a superior bid, although greedy guts St Petersburg are looking for more before they agree to sell their prize asset.
“Barcelona failed with a £12million bid for Andrei and now an English club have had a £19million offer rejected by Zenit,” agent Dennis Lachter told the Daily Express.
“Zenit want £24million, so clubs who want to sign Andrei will have to get closer to that figure.
“I believe they will because there are clubs interested in Andrei who are trying to sell players first.
“The figure is not easy to reach, but the transfer activity is beginning to happen and I am optimistic he will join a big club.
“I don’t know exactly when Andrei’s future will be resolved, but we have until the end of August, so we are both fairly relaxed.”
Who are this mystery English club? Considering Liverpool have been stalling over the Gareth Barry fee, it’s hard to imagine them trying to land Arshavin, although Chelsea and Man United must rank as possible contenders, while Arsene Wenger has already stated that he’s a big fan of the player – but could Arsenal afford this sort of money? It would be great to see one of the Euro 2008 stars in the Premier League – but will it become a reality?