Having spent the latter part of last season on loan at Zenit St. Petersberg, there have been plenty of question marks hanging over the future of Andrey Arshavin. However, his agent has now provided more light on the situation, claiming that his client is all but certain to leave the club as the Gunners do not see him in their plans.
It would certainly be an abrupt end to Arshavin’s career, as it seemed only recently that he was a permanent fixture in Arsene Wenger’s squad. There’s no doubt that he made a huge impact after transferring to the club in 2009 and Gunners supporters will fondly remember the four goals he scored against Liverpool in his debut season. However, over time he has slowly been edged out of Wenger’s team and after finding opportunities difficult to find last year, he made the switch to Zenit on loan.
With Zenit seemingly reluctant to make a permanent bid for the player, there has been intense speculation over Arshavin’s next move. His agent has now stated that it will definitely be away from the Emirates Stadium, telling Radyospor, “Arsene Wenger will transfer some new names for the forward line for the upcoming season. Arshavin doesn’t want to stay in the team. Next year, he could continue his career in Turkey. I know that two clubs in Turkey are seriously interested in Arshavin. There also some offers from the MLS, but Arshavin does not want to go to America. He also rejected an offer from Anzhi.”
It is also understood that Arsenal are holding out for €10m, to at least recoup some of the £15m they forked out for the player back in 2009. Following the summer signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, one would struggle to find a place for Arshavin in the Gunners’ team next year and his opportunities would surely become even more limited should he stay at the Emirates Stadium.
