Arsenal 'interested in Arshavin'

Arsenal have shown an interest in signing highly rated forward Andrei Arshavin, Zenit St Petersburg's coach Dick Advocaat has confirmed.

Arshavin, 27, has been linked with a £20m move to the Gunners following his impressive performances at Euro 2008.

"I am aware that Arsenal are interested but I don't know any more than that," said Dutchman Advocaat.

"I'm expecting Arshavin to leave. He's a top player and could play for any of the top teams in England."

Advocaat added: "Arshavin played well for us last season but he didn't play as well as he can. There's still more to come from him and people will see that."

The Russian season ended in November with unfashionable Rubin Kazin claiming their maiden domestic title, with the 2007 champions Zenit languishing in fifth.
In December Arshavin's agent told BBC Sport that Zenit and the player, who was linked with a move to Tottenham in the summer, had agreed that he should find a new club in January.

"He will definitely move in January or the player and club will lose money," said agent Dennis Lachter.

"Zenit and Andrei understand that it is time for them to part from each other."

But Lachter denied reports that the player had visited both the training grounds of Arsenal and Spurs on a recent trip to London.


BBC