Tottenham on Arshavin alert as Zenit move for Russian's replacement

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With Zenit facing the prospect of losing their star forward, they have made a bid - believed to be in the region of £14.2million - for Valbuena, according to a statement on the Frenchman's personal website.

The move will set top brass at White Hart Lane into a transfer frenzy, with Spurs keen to add Arshavin to the ranks, alongside new signings David Bentley, Giovani dos Santos, Heurelho Gomes and Luka Modric.

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Come and get me: Arshavin

23-year-old Valbuena, who is currently out of action with a back injury, has pledged his future to Marseille, with whom he enjoyed a breakthrough season last campaign.

The statement reads: 'Mathieu's agent confirms he has been approached by Zenit St Petersburg, who wanted to secure the services of the Marseille player.

'Effectively, the Russian club offered a true fortune to Mathieu and declared they could buy out the contract of the revelation of last year's championship for Marseille, for a colossal sum.

'Mathieu, after talks with coach Eric Gerets, who himself spoke to Zenit counterpart Dick Advocaat, has decided to stay loyal to the club, declaring he wanted to continue wearing the colours of Marseille.'

Tottenham are in pole position to sign Arshavin, who will hold more talks with Zenit officials before revealing his destination.

Valbuena is an out-and-out wideman and therefore plays in a slightly different position to Arshavin, but Zenit's decision to make an offer for the diminutive Marseille winger is being seen as an attempt to cover for the potential loss of their star player.