Zenit St Petersburg have confirmed they have received an approach from Barcelona for Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin.
Arshavin is one of the most sought-after players in Europe after his impressive performances at Euro 2008.
Arshavin has informed Zenit that he intends to leave this summer and he has been strongly linked with a move to Spain or England.
Zenit’s sporting director Konstantin Sarsaniya says Barcelona have contacted them about a possible deal for Arshavin and that his future will be resolved once he returns from international duty.
“Barcelona has made a formal proposal to Zenit for the purchase of Arshavin,” Sarsaniya told Sovietski Sport.
“We will only talk about this once Andrei returns to Zenit.”
Arshavin’s agent Dennis Lachter has confirmed Barcelona’s interest in signing the player but he insists that the final decision rests with the player.
“The transfer should be around 25million euros,” Lachter told Spanish television station La Sexta.
“It’s time for him (Arshavin) to look for new challenges, and this is a great opportunity for him.
“Everything depends on how interested Barcelona are and how much the player wants to play there.
“There are not that many clubs in the world that can match his pay at the moment, but the main reasons for leaving will be sporting ones.”
