Arsenal and Everton linked striker Sardar Azmoun has admitted that he plans to leave Zenit St Petersburg this summer and wants a new challenge after almost a decade in Russia, in quotes reported by Corriere dello Sport.
While Zenit may be European regulars these days, a man who rose to fame as the so-called ‘Iranian Messi’ remains a little-known prospect outside of the country where he has made his name.
At the age of 25, Azmoun is now keen to prove his worth in one of the continent’s biggest and most high-profile leagues.
The 6ft 1ins centre-forward, whose aerial presence and bullish style makes a mockery of those Lionel Messi comparisons, has reportedly fielded £30 million enquiries from both Leicester City and West Ham United (AreaNapoli).
The same publication then linked Arsenal and Everton with a player who has been tipped to join the Toffees ever since fellow Iranian Farhad Moshiri became their majority shareholder four years ago.
With that in mind, Moshiri is likely to take a keen interest in what Azmoun had to say on his future this week.
“I have been playing in Russia for eight years and I believe I have acquired a good dose of experience,” says the former Rubin Kazan ace. “I am looking for a new challenge.
“I would like to try (and prove myself in a new league) and I would like to do it as soon as possible.”
‘As soon as possible’, you’d imagine, translates to this summer. Azmoun has already admitted that Napoli are keen to take him to Serie A, potentially as a replacement for the coveted Poland international Arkadiusz Milik.
With 14 goals and seven assists for Zenit this season, it is no wonder Azmoun is courting so much interest.
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