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Wenger urged to move quickly in battle to secure Arshavin
James Olley07.01.09
Arsenal were today urged to make a formal bid for Andrei Arshavin by his agent, who has denied advanced talks have taken place with Zenit St Petersburg over a move to north London.
The Russian club yesterday claimed they were confident of concluding a deal “within two weeks” for the 27-year-old, who has reportedly attempted to force a transfer by threatening to buy himself out of the remaining 18 months of his contract.
But although the Gunners are expected to table an offer this week, the forward's agent, Dennis Lachter, insists the Russian club are aiming to spark a bidding war for a player who they previously valued at £20million after Tottenham failed to match that figure last summer.
He said: “There is no news, no negotiations yet. I represent the player and I can assure you I would know if something had been discussed. It is the people of Zenit trying to initiate some kind of interest.
“They are trying to use the media to make the price of Arshavin £20m — I would not take it seriously.”
Despite Lachter's insistence a deal is “some way off”, Zenit coach Dick Advocaat is resigned to losing his prize asset, who has been at the club all of his career.
“I am aware that Arsenal are interested but I don't know any more than that,” said Advocaat. “He could play for any of the top teams in Europe.”
Arsenal last night refused to comment but boss Arsene Wenger has expressed his admiration for Arshavin, who excelled as Zenit won last season's UEFA Cup.
Zenit are expected to lower their asking price and Arsenal could succeed with an offer in the region of £14m.
General director Maxim Mitrofanov said: “It's very difficult to discuss the Arshavin value.
“We want to get an adequate payment. We also need to see what player will be coming to us to replace Andrei.”
The last big-money January signing Arsenal made was Jose Reyes, who cost £10.5m from Sevilla in 2004.
Reader views (8)
Terry - Pat Rice is Irish ! Another foreigner ? In any case all Arsenal's players speak English, including the manager, who speaks English of a higher quality than any English player or manager I can think of! Ever heard Rooney or Beckham giving interviews, its frightening how badly they speak! You appear to be suffering delusions, combined with a complex regarding Mothers! If English players are competant & priced correctly I would have no problem in having them at Arsenal. However, I would prefer £2.5 million Van Persie to £15 million Defoe & £11.5 million Nasri to £15 million Downing.
- Rob Gooner, North London
Class player will do well at Arsenal.Wouldnt have done so well at lowly Tottenham.
- Jim Ex Pat,N1, thailand
Rob the Crooner, just like you trying to confuse Pat Rice even more calling for more foreign stars to play for Arsenal, deep down you really are a dreamer, good players want to go to clubs who have a chance of winning tropies, I hope they sign one Englishman then at least Pat will have somebody to talk to on the team bus on the way to matches other than the driver.
These personal questions that you are asking me I am starting to worry about you, I am very happy with my wife and don't want to be the next Mrs Rob the Gonner even though you live a life of luxury in your mortgage free house, why don't you pull up a few quid to help your flagging club?, or is the house another Rob the Gonner dream and you are still at home with Mum?
- Terry, London
Arshavin is way overrated,the guy is nearly 28,so if he is that great,Why hasn`t he been signed up before by major clubs,his normal position is left midfield,where the Gooners have strength already..do they need to spend 20 million on this guy who earns 90k a wk already,thats a mind blowing sum for Arsenal,they could easily save money by playing their super young guns..Arshavin has had 1 good season when they won what the Gooners call the LOSERS CUP IN Europe and had 2 good games at euro 08 but was out of his depth versus Spain,and he cant speak a words of English so French lessons will be called for..And Arsenal havent been exactly known for throwing the cash around have they..
- Tom, uxbridge
Paul, Walcott didn't cost £8m, it was an initial payment of £8m with the fee rising to around £12m - which is how most deals are structured.
And Nasri, (admittedly a summer signing not a January one) cost around £12m according to most sources, including this paper.
Even if you were right with £11.5m, I believe I did say 'around' £12m. Do you not think 11.5 is pretty close to 12?
Still! Nice use of exclamation marks though!!!!
- John, London
er! no walcott cost 8 million and nasri 11.5 million!!
- Paul Connolly, herts
It would be really great to see Arshavin arrive at Arsenal togther with Yaya Toure & Brede Hangeland. This would give Arsenal the basis for a strong second half to the season.
- Rob Gooner, North London
"The last big-money January signing Arsenal made was Jose Antonio Reyes, who cost £10.5m from Sevilla in 2004."
Er, Theo Walcott (2006) and Samir Nasri (2008) at around £12m each don't count then?
- John, London
