Sports
Arshavin signs for the Gunners
Published 03 February, 2009, 03:05
Russia’s most wanted footballer, Andrey Arshavin, has signed a contract with Arsenal, which will keep him at the North London club until 2012. The English Premier League must confirm the deal before it becomes official.
Zenit spokesman Aleksey Petrov said an announcement on the transfer, including the financial details of the contract, will be made on Tuesday.
Arsenal’s coach, Arsene Wenger, said the club is going to make a “positive” announcement on the transfer of the Russian international from Zenit soon, according to the UK's Sky Sports.
And Arshavin said on his personal website that he believes he is now a Gunner.
The transfer fee is believed to be £16.5 million. And Arshavin is expected to wear number 23 for Arsenal.
Earlier it was reported that Arsenal failed to sign the player before Europe's transfer window closed at 17.00 GMT on Monday.
Negotiations on transferring Arshavin were one of the most difficult in the history of the sport and may well be included in the Guinness Book of Records. The Gunners first expressed interest in the player back in December 2008, but since then the sides were unable to agree on the transfer fee.
The Russian international's agent Dennis Lachter said: “In my 16 years working this has been the most difficult transfer.”
Reportedly, the clubs could not agree on the transfer sum and Zenit and Arshavin were unable to settle on compensation for the early termination of a contract between the player and the team.
Andrey Arshavin passed a medical in London on Monday.
Arsenal is in need of a high-class play-maker because their main man, Spaniard Cesc Fabregas, remains sidelined with of a serious injury.
2008 was Arshavin's best season so far. The 27-year-old spearheaded Zenit to the UEFA cup title and was instrumental in Russia reaching the semi-final in the European Championship.
Even the world's best players were impressed.
“Russia qualified for the semi-finals as well, and the way they played was great, especially their number 10, Arshavin – he had a great game,” said Zinedine Zidane, FIFA three-time World Player of the Year.
After a brilliant performance at Euro 2008, the attacker said he no longer wanted to stay in the Russian championship.
However, Zenit bosses wanted a minimum of 25 million euros for Arshavin. But amid the financial crisis, a number of top European clubs, including Barcelona, pulled out of the running, despite needing the striker.
Zenit finds replacement for Arshavin
Zenit have wasted little time in seeking another replacement for Arshavin. First, Danny was bought from Dynamo Moscow last summer with a view to taking over the Russian's duties.
And now the Saint Petersburg club have snapped up Hungarian international midfielder Szabolcs Huszti on a 4.5-year deal.
Huszti had been thought to be on his way from Hamburg to German Bundesliga side Hannover 96 when Zenit swooped. Money details haven’t been confirmed but it’s believed to be around the $5 million mark.
The 25-year-old attacker plays on the left side of midfield, where Arshavin was allowed to roam.
Huszti scored three goals in 17 games for Hannover 96 club this season.Type your cut contents here.
