Zenit St Petersburg have turned down a £10million
bid from Arsenal for Russian ace Andrei Arshavin as they feel it is
"insufficient".
The Gunners are hoping to sign the Russian schemer as they
look to bolster their attacking options in this month's transfer
window.
Arsene Wenger has been coy on his side's interest in Arshavin,
but Arsenal are believed to be leading the chase for the
27-year-old.
Arshavin is determined to leave Zenit this month after being
frustrated in his attempts to move last summer.
Reports suggest Zenit are demanding a £20million fee for
Arshavin, but the Gunners value the 27-year-old at considerably
less.
Zenit spokesman Alexei Petrov has confirmed Arsenal are the only
club to have made an official approach for Arshavin, but that their
initial offer was turned down.
"I can confirm that Zenit did get an official offer from Arsenal
about Andrei Arshavin," Petrov told the Mail on Sunday. It was
rejected as insufficient.
"They offered about £10m. No new offers have arrived from them
since. At the moment, Arsenal are the only club to have approached
us about the player."
It remains to be seen if Arsenal will increase their offer for
Arshavin with fresh reports suggesting Manchester City could hijack
their move for the talented playmaker.
teamtalk.com
