Emirates star could be on his way back to Russia as Stade de Gerland star is linked with move to Premier League.
Arsenal want to add Lyon starlet Miralem Pjanic to their ranks as part of their summer recruitment program.
The Bosnia international has been tracked by several Premier League clubs including Chelsea who were heavily tipped to make a bid for the player in January. That move never materialised despite the player often failing to make the starting eleven for Lyon due to the presence of Yoann Gourcuff.
It was presumed that Pjanic’s time on the substitutes’ bench would precede an inevitable discord but the player himself has spoken glowingly about the club telling L’Equipe: “Iam 20 years old and I am under contract at Lyon for a long time. I want to leave my mark on the club.
“When I wasn’t playing I was disappointed and sad, but I never wanted to leave.”
However, Arsenal are preparing to test that stance with a £12m bid for the player at the end of the season. Arsene Wenger is ready to call time on the Emirates careers of Andrei Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky and with Cesc Fabregas’ future in doubt as ever, Pjanic is seen as an ideal option to help plug the gap.
Source: Sportingo
Since Russian winger Andrey Arshavin arrived in North London on a snowy January day in 2009, he has endeared himself to Arsenal fans.
The 29-year-old, nicknamed ‘Simples’ by team-mates because of his resemblance to a certain meerkat, has dazzled fans with dazzling dribbles and goalscorers touch.
But with the emergence of Theo Walcott, Arshavin has seen his starting place put under fierce jeopardy.
Reports today suggest Arsenal managaer Arsene Wenger is in talks with the Russian international’s former club Zenit St Petersburg over a possible summer transfer.
Arsenal fans seem to have mixed views on whether the time is right to let Arshavin go or keep him to help drive the Gunners to a first Premier League title in seven years.
His four goals at Anfield will go down in Arsenal folklore but unfortunately so will his unnecessary flicks and lack of a defensive contribution.
Maybe the little Russian has had his time at the Emirates but who should Wenger go for as a replacement?
Would Eden Hazard fit the bill? Or would another unknown player, like Miralem Pjanic be the answer? Perhaps a proven Premier League star such as Ashley Young or Stewart Downing be the key?