Zenit St Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat believes the time has come for Andrei Arshavin to take on a new challenge at one of Europe’s top clubs.
The Russia international has been linked with a move away from his homeland, but Zenit have yet to receive a offer matching their valuation of the player.
Advocaat concedes that he will not stand in the 27-year-old’s way if a suitable offer arrives during the January transfer window.
“Sometimes you have to give players of that quality a chance to show themselves in Europe and I think it’s the right time for Andrei to do that,” he said.
Having led Zenit to a Uefa Cup triumph last season, Advocaat admits he is now paying the price for success.
“If you can play in Europe and you get a good offer then players will go,” added Advocaat.
“There’s no doubt about that.”
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