With speculation growing regarding a possible January
move to Arsenal for Andrei Arshavin, the Russia star’s agent has
confirmed that The Gunners retain an interest in his in-demand
client.
The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker was first linked with a move
to Emirates Stadium 12 months ago and, following a superb Euro 2008
and the collapse of a possible summer move to Tottenham, Arshavin
has once again emerged as a target for Arsene Wenger.
Shorn of the creative talents of Cesc Fabregas due to a
long-term injury, Wenger has admitted he is in the market for a
playmaker and Arshavin, who inspired Zenit to Uefa Cup glory last
season, certainly fits that description.
Wenger has so far refused to comment on the link but talk of a
move will only increase after his agent’s insistence that the
Frenchman remains a fan of the man recently named Russian Athlete
of the Year by a leading newspaper.
But if Arsenal are expecting Arshavin to be ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’
when the transfer window opens, then Dennis Lachter has prepared
the North Londoners for potential disappointment.
"We know that Arsene Wenger likes the look of Arshavin,” Lachter
told the Daily Mirror. “But I like the look of Angelina Jolie and
it doesn't always mean you get what you want.
"Arsenal were interested in signing him last summer and they
still are, so we will wait and see what happens.
“There has been a lot of interest in him this time as well from
England, Spain and Italy."
Having being forced to deal with weekly speculation surrounding
their star man, Zenit have relented to his desire to leave and have
announced they will sell the forward if a suitable offer arises in
January.