London calling for Arshavin
by Alex Livie, 03 July 2008
An agent for Andrei Arshavin has claimed Arsenal are the most active side in the pursuit of the forward, although reports in Russia suggest Chelsea have leapt to the head of the chase.
Arshavin has become one of Europe’s most talked about players following his displays at Euro 2008 with Russia and he has made it clear he fancies a new challenge.
The forward has described Barcelona as his dream move, but a clutch of other European sides hold an interest in the 27-year-old.
Gunners chief Arsene Wenger has been sending out mixed messages about Arshavin and the player's agent feels the Frenchman is playing a game of cat and mouse.
“Arsene Wenger is a cunning fox,” Arshavin's agent Dennis Lahter told The Sun.
“In the morning he says Arshavin will play all the time at his club and during the day he says he doubts the capabilities of Andrei to play three games in a row at the highest level.
“But this is a tactic to fool the competition.
“He calls Andrei a Tsar and then tries to deny interest in the player.”
Arshavin has snubbed a new deal at Zenit and Lahter said Arsenal are “the most active.”
The Gunners could face competition from within London, as reports suggest Chelsea have tabled a bid of £12 million for Arshavin.
It is being clamied this offer has seen Zenit hand Arshavin the green light to head to London and discuss personal terms with Chelsea.