Is time finally up on the divisive Russian’s Premier League stay?
Andrei Arshavin has had a tumultuous relationship with Arsenal FC since joining the club in 2009 off the back of an incredible Euro 2008 campaign and Europa League efforts with Zenit St Petersburg. However despite fleeting moments of brilliance such as the 4 goal salvo against Liverpool Arsenal fans never saw the true talents of the Russian forward that he so sublimely exhibited for his national and club side previously.
This summer has not been easy going for him either despite an impressive opening game for Russia at Euro 2012 against the Czech Republic his fitness and defensive frailties then came into question as Russia were dumped out the competition by Greece. After criticising the fans he now finds himself outside of an all Russian League based Fabio Capello squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Now after a summer of rejecting deals such as the one presented by Galatasaray he looks set to sit on the Arsenal bench or indeed the stands watching on.
It hasn’t worked for Andrei at Arsenal for varying reasons. Being used out on the wing or as a frontman hasn’t suited him, for Zenit and Russia the team has been tailored around him playing the support role to the striker. A similar player to Juan Roman Riquelme his talent involves the changing of an entire system at times.
Unless Arsenal receive a late bid from Russia for his talents as their transfer window edges nearer to a close on Thursday night. It seems clear that his former club Zenit St Petersburg have planned for life without him with the expensive acquisition of Hulk from Porto.
Anzhi Makhachkala – the mega rich side who have Guus Hiddink as manager and Samuel Eto’o in their ranks have reportedly ruled themselves out of a potential deal; leaving Dinamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow as the 2 clubs reportedly leading the way for his signature.
Arsenal have included the forward in their Champions League squad but little should be read into this. A large portion of their first team players are below the age limit necessary for registration so Arshavin was always likely to feature to make up the numbers.
The general consensus now is that he will be allowed to leave on free transfer if the right deal can be brokered between Arsenal and a suitor. Despite his apparent want to stay in England Arshavin may realise a move his homeland is not only for his benefit when it comes to the national team, but in fact the only option he has left.
Arshavin to Russia what do you think? Should Arsenal keep him just in case?
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
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