Andrei Arshavin has told Zenit St Petersburg that he wants to prove he is capable of playing for a leading European club.
Zenit are understood to be in discussions with Arsenal regarding a possible move to London, but the move is being held up because the parties are unable to reach agreement on a fee.
Arshavin has been persistently linked with a move away from the Uefa Cup holders after impressing at Euro 2008, but Zenit’s refusal to lower their £20m valuation of the player has deterred potential suitors.
However, the the 27-year-old has reiterated his desire to leave Russia.
“I want to play at a good European club and I want to prove how good I am,” he told the Daily Mail.
“I think it is a distant prospect that Zenit will ever be as big as the likes of Real Madrid or Juventus,” he added.
“It will take some time and Zenit must win many titles first. But recently the club have been progressing.
“The main thing is that the management should have willingness and players should be provided with opportunities.”
