Talks were understood to have stalled over Zenit's £20 million asking price, but there have been clear signs of progress this week after reports from Russia that the Uefa Cup holders expect Arshavin to move to Arsenal within the next two weeks.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been looking to reinforce his squad after losing captain Cesc Fabregas for several months due to a knee injury and admitted on Saturday that he was aiming to sign a player of 'special class'.
He also confirmed that availability for the knockout phase of the Champions League would not be a vital issue, with Arshavin unable to feature against Roma after appearing in the group stage for Zenit.
Arshavin starred for Russia during the European Championships and was also man of the match in the Uefa Cup final. He would certainly provide fresh options for Wenger, having previously played as a winger, a second striker or a midfield playmaker.
The 27-year-old was a target of Tottenham under former manager Juande Ramos last summer, but the possible deal eventually collapsed and Harry Redknapp has focussed his attentions on a more conventional striker.
"I am aware that Arsenal are interested but I don't know any more than that," said Advocaat. "However, I am expecting Arshavin to leave Zenit for another club. He is a top player and he could play for any team and any of the top teams in England, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool.
"He was voted player of the year by the sportswriters last season. Arshavin played well for us last season but he didn't play as well as he can. There is still more to come from him and people will see that.
"In principle, I have already bought Arshavin's successor, Danny, because I thought Arshavin was going to leave. Danny can play in the same position as Arshavin so we won't be disrupted when he goes."
Last month, Arshavin outlined his desire to leave. "A professional cannot lack the desire to play when he walks on to the field," he said. "I try and play for Zenit the best I can. But I repeatedly told the president of the club that I didn't want to remain in the side any longer. If they don't let me leave, I'll be listed as a Zenit player, but on paper only."
Arsenal's substitute goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, meanwhile, says the players will be motivated by criticism of their performances over the first half of the season. "What is around outside does not affect us, but maybe we are even more motivated because of that," he said. "Even before the season, some people were saying we were not good enough to win the championship - that is only motivation for us to prove it on the pitch that they are wrong."
Adapted from the Telegraph
All right. So he has been heavily linked with Arsenal. Last January, it was Samir Nasri and now it is Arshavin. But anyway, Nasri wasn't so havily linked with Arsenal until over last summer, when he eventually moved to Arsenal.
But anyway, I won't be too surprised if Arshavin doesn't come now..cause this has happened before. Deals not getting through. It has happened for Ribery, Ibrahimovic, Huntelaar(I think) etc etc. So..fingers crossed! I go to NewsNow and most of the news are about Arsenal and Arshavin. But this deal might become true..it might not as well. So I shall not get my hopes high for this.
It reminds me of the Nasri deal. It took like TWO MONTHS before the official note from Arsenal.com was released. And the thing was that, Nasri's official website released the fact that he had joined Arsenal even before Arsenal's official website did! HAHHA.
Transfer news remind me of PV04, TH14, Hlebster and Flamster ):
Shalini said she misses Vampire. HAHHA.
Anyway, went out with Shalini to watch Australia yesterday. It is a good movie..but its a little draggy and long. But meaningful story about the stolen generations in Australia. I have to admit I never really knew about Aboriginal people in Aussie before watching the movie /:
Anyway, after that, we walked around before leaving for home. We went to school in the morning. And I miss St.Margs ): I mean..I feel so cut off from studying and everything. Like the school buzz is going on and I am still in Holiday Mood..probably cause I am pretty relaxed and the only thing on my mind regarding studies is my Olevel results (which is coming out soon anyway). I choose not to think about Olevel results now..what for? I shall allow my anxiety level to rise right before I get my results..not now. Then, I shall weigh my options for my tertiary education. Obviously I hope to do well, like everyone does. But I believe I have done my part for these exams..I studied hard (I think) and I shall not think about it now. Whatever result I get, its what I probably deserve for this. So I shall just remain optimistic about it..and think about it probably a few hours before I get my results. HAHA.
Anyway, I have been drowning myself with Transfer rumours(regarding Arsenal), music videos and dramas. But I still have a lot of episodes from Prison Break ): I missed a lot during the Olevel period ):
Anyway, off now.
Mi casa es su casa (:
BUH-BYEE!
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Look and Van Persie and Nasri at one corner..HAHA. While John Terry argues with ref.Labels: Arsenal transfer, Arshavin, Olevel results