Arsenal’s newest signing, Andrei Arshavin, has friends in high places, that’s for sure. His recent move from Zenit not only got the blessing from the ownership, it also got the ok from a very high profile individual.

His departure from Zenit St Petersburg was not only overseen by senior executives from power giant Gazprom – who sponsor the Russian club – but Prime Minister Vladimir Putin also took a close personal interest.

Putin, who grew up in St Petersburg, even took time out to meet with Arshavin in the week prior to the 27-year-old’s medical to give his blessing to the deal.

It has also emerged that part of the delay in completing the £15m transfer – which extended beyond the transfer deadline – was caused by a faulty fax machine at Zenit. (Daily Mail)

A deal that involves a blessing from the Prime Minister of Russia and a transfer deadline delay due to a faulty fax machine? This has all the makings of a great comedy on the silver screen!

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