Arsenal have enquired about the availability of forward Andrei Arshavin, Zenit St Petersburg’s coach Dick Advocaat has confirmed.
Arshavin, 27, has been linked with a £20m move away from the UEFA Cup holders following his impressive displays for Russia at Euro 2008.
“I am aware that Arsenal are interested but I don’t know any more than that,” said Dutchman Advocaat.
“I’m expecting Arshavin to leave. He’s a top player and could play for any of the top teams in England.
“In principle I have already bought Arshavin’s successor, [the Portugal forward] Danny, because I thought he was going to leave last year.”
Advocaat added: “Arshavin played well for us last season but he didn’t play as well as he can. There’s still more to come from him and people will see that.”
Arshavin confirmed the interest from Arsenal. “I hope the clubs can come to an agreement,” he said.
Maxim Mitrofanov, Zenit’s general director, hopes a deal can be done for the midfielder within the next fortnight, though there is some difference in valuation, with Zenit wanting £20m while Wenger values Arshavin at closer to £15m.
