Andrey
Arshavin is set to leave Arsenal in the summer, with
Chelsea
lining up an offer for the midfielder as they look to
reunite Russia's successful 2018 World Cup bid duo of Arshavin and
Roman Abramovich – according to a report in The News
of the World.
The Russian playmaker has recently been linked with a move away
from the Emirates, as he is reportedly unhappy at the club.
Despite contributing seven goals in all competitions this term
and leading the way with assists, Arshavin has been going through
an indifferent spell of form, and has been dropped to the bench in
recent weeks.
His situation is said to be pushing the winger to contemplate a
move to Arsenal's rivals Chelsea, particularly as Blues owner
Abramovich has formed a solid relationship with Arshavin after the
pair worked together successfully on Russia’s 2018 World Cup
bid.
However, Chelsea will have to compete for his signature.
Arshavin’s former club Zenit St Petersburg claimed last week that
the door will always be open for his return to the club whom he
helped guide to domestic and Uefa Cup glory.
With less than 18 months left on his current contract and his
30th birthday approaching, it is speculated that it
would cost around £10 million to acquire the Russian’s
services.
Some Arsenal fans may have become disillusioned with Arshavin
lately, but the statistics back his value to the team, revealing
that he has contributed more per game than the highly rated,
in-form Samir Nasri.
In the Premier League, Arshavin has scored four goals and
provided nine assists so far this season, while Nasri - Arsenal's
leading goalscorer with nine in the League - has provided only one
assist.
Arshavin is currently placed 20th in the Castrol Rankings, up from 31st the previous month, while
Nasri is ranked 42nd, up from 70th a month ago.
Manager Arsene Wenger remains convinced of Arshavin's worth,
recently commenting: "He is going through a period that is a bit
difficult at the moment, but he works very hard in training."
The Arsenal boss has been negotiating a new contract with the
Russian since July last year, but has failed to reach an agreement
with the midfielder because of his policy of offering only one-year
deals for players over 30.
Wenger is hoping not to lose any players during the January
transfer window, as his side remain in contention for honours on
four fronts.
German club Wolfsburg, managed by former England boss Steve
McClaren, are said to be looking to invest some of the £27m they
received from Manchester City for striker Edin Dzeko in Nicklas
Bendtner, who is struggling to claim a regular starting berth at
the Emirates.
Bendtner has fallen down the pecking order following the summer
arrival of Marouane Chamakh, and has publicly stated his
willingness to leave the club if he is not picked to play more
often.
