Breaking News: A Close Shav

[Mentalist]

It would appear that the seemingly interminable saga surrounding the potential move of Andrei Arshavin from Russian outfit Zenit St. Petersburg to Arsenal today has hit one more snag, as Arsenal fans and probably the rest of the world wait impatiently to find out whether the playmaker will become a Gunners player at last.


Unconfirmed reports state that a Zenit spokesman has revealed that the deal is now off, as the Russians have failed to reach an agreement with Arsenal over the deal.


Associated Press and Sky Sports News are both indicating that the deal is on hold, following this statement from the Russians, the exact wording of which is as yet unclear.


Further news to follow...

On off on off on off on off on off on off. ALL FUCKING MONTH. I've refreshed Arsenal.com 7 trillion times during this fucking transfer window praying we sign Arsharvin. The fucking window is now closed and we still don't know whether it's going to happen or not!

I'm going fucking CRAZY. :S:

 

[Mentalist]

This has been JUST the last week of the most protracted transfer saga ever.

On and on it goes: the Andrei Arshavin saga shows little sign of slowing down as the transfer window's closure fast approaches.

But will he actually join Arsenal from Zenit St. Petersburg? That's what the football world wants to know, but with so many reports surfacing throughout the day, keeping track can be difficult.

Enter Andrei Arshavin LIVE - your chance to keep up with all the latest news and views on this transfer saga as it happens. We've also provided a chronology of events building up to the

Below you will find timestamped news, updated as soon as it becomes available on our site, as well as links to each day's editorial content.

So, simply scroll down and find out what's happening with Arshavin! Or if general transfers are more your think, be sure to check out Transfer Window LIVE, our sister feature covering all the big moves.



Monday 2 February
18:00 The UK transfer window is closed. No new deals can now be set in motion. No unexpected transfers will take place. However, the Arshavin move, due to its still being active and taking place "in principle," MAY still happen thanks to an FA extension!

17:58 Nothing has changed in the last half hour as the transfer window comes to an end. Still, as the transfer is still open "in principle" it may not be subject to the deadline.

17:24 Andrei Arshavin has passed his medical at the Emirates - yet the deal is not confirmed. It remains down to Zenit and that aforementioned payment from Arshavin to his (possibly) former club.


17:02 Following up from the earlier report, a fee has almost certainly been agreed, as have player terms. Just the player's own payment to Zenit remains to be the sticking point.

16:06 Could Andrei Arshavin make it to Arsenal after all? The transfer is edging closer, but Zenit need more money - from the player himself!


13:15 The fat lady hasn't sung just yet: talks are actually ongoing between Arsenal and Andrei Arshavin.

10:00 It looks like it's all off! Andrei Arshavin has reportedly left his Hertfordshire hotel base in order to seek the first private jet out of England after talks break down. But they may resume later in the morning...

Sunday 1 February

22:52 Is it finally happening?! According to reports, Andrei Arshavin is flying from St. Petersburg to London for Arsenal talks...

21:18 Meanwhile former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit would rather see Mathieu Flamini return to the Emirates than Arshavin sign.

20:51 Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein implies that Andrei Arshavin is needed at the Emirates.

20:04 Despite the Gunners' 0-0 draw with West Ham at the weekend, coach Arsene Wenger says that Arsenal are in no need of 'saviour' Andrei Arshavin alone.

11.16 Andrei Arshavin's agent denies the player flew to London yesterday and instead claims he travelled back to St Petersburg.

Saturday 31 January (all times CET)

19:57 Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has claimed that 'anything can happen' with regards to the Andrei Arshavin move.

09.17 Andrei Arshavin flies to London for talks with Arsenal, according to reports.

00:22 Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has explained exactly why he wants Andrei Arshavin of Zenit at the Emirates.

January 30

15:32 Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger claims that in fact no work permit was issued for Andrei Arshavin - or anyone else - contrary to earlier reports.
January 29
15:26 A Russian tabloid report claims that Arshavin is refusing to train during Zenit's pre-season camp in the UAE.

12:01 Editorial: Our poll results suggest that most readers think that Arshavin should join Arsenal, as opposed to other clubs or Zenit.

10:09 Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says that the Arshavin deal is '90 Per Cent Completed' and hopes that the situation will be concluded within 48 hours.

January 28
20:06 Arshavin is named in the Russian squad for a training camp scheduled to take place in Turkey from February 8th-12th.

18:19 Maxim Mitrofanov tells Arshavin that buying out his contract so that he can leave Zenit will not happen.

15:40 Vincenzo Iaquinta's agent has rubbished reports linking his client to Zenit, but he was interested in the Arshavin to Arsenal saga.

13:42 Editorial: We ask whether or not a move to Arsenal is right for the player himself in our Goal.com Poll.

12:57 Arsene Wenger says that any player who would seek to break the Gunners' wage structure simply will not join Arsenal.

12:20 Editorial: Our poll results from yesterday indicate that fans have more faith in Arshavin's transfer going through than they do any other of the big January rumoured moves.

11:16 Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger admits that the Arshavin transfer saga is becoming a burden for his side.

January 27
22:24 Zenit beat Litex Lovech 1-0 in their Dubai training camp. Andrei Arshavin does not take part, fuelling speculation that a move is upcoming.

19:34 Maxim Mitrofanov asks whether Arshavin is interested in playing success, or just cash?

16:20 Zenit director Maxim Mitrofanov reveals further details of Arshavin's supposed wage demands from Arsenal.

16:13 Former Arsenal legend Paul Merson argues that Arshavin would bring nothing new to the Emirates table in terms of play style.

15:21 Arsene Wenger announces that it's "all quiet" on the Arsahvin front, and advises reporters to stick to official sources.

10:09 Official news: Zenit state that they have practically accepted an offer from Arsenal, and only Arshavin's personal terms remain as an obstacle to a transfer.

January 26

14:48 Andrei's former Zenit teammate, Martin Skrtel, states that Arshavin would prefer to go to Spain than England.

January 25

14:00 Reports emerge stating that Arshavin could use a FIFA clause to buy out the remainder of his contract, although this probably would not take place until November.

January 24

12:30 A report in The Guardian indicates that Arshavin could go on strike if he is not permitted to leave for the Gunners.

00:09 Rumours that Arshavin is set to leave gather pace as Zenit look to sign Juventus' Vincenzo Iaquinta by way of attacking replacement.

00:01 It is reported that Zenit are set to 'reject' Arsenal's 'final' offer, but negotiations actually continue.

 

[Mentalist]

...

The FA had earlier confirmed that they had received the necessary paperwork from all parties to complete the deal, however, Associated Press and Sky Sports News are both indicating that the deal is on hold, following this statement from the Russians.


The statement, according to the Reuters news agency reads: "I can confirm that the deal is definitely off."


Reuters have attributed the quote to Alexei Petrov, the same individual who earlier confirmed that the deal was going ahead.


A statement clarifying the situation will be released in the next hour, according to Zenit. Goal.com will bring you news of that statement as soon as it breaks.

 

[Gagh]

The reported demands from Zenit for half the player's signing on fee may have been the sticking point.

So long as he stays at Zenit, he won't grow as a player.

 

[Mentalist]

Arsenal And Zenit Agree Fee For Arshavin; Personal Terms Met

Latest reports from Sky indicate that Andrei Arhsavin's move from Zenit St. Petersburg to Arsenal is on the absolute verge of going through.

Within the last few minutes it has been said that the Gunners have agreed a fee with their Russian counterparts, and that Arshavin himself has received a wage offer acceptable to him.

All that remains now is one obstacle - albeit a tricky one.

Zenit are apparently holding out for a payment from Arshavin himself to compensate for his contractual value; until the Russian side receive a promise of this money then the transfer cannot take place.

However, with all else being confirmed, it is likely that this will be dealt with within the hour.

UPDATE 17:26 CET - It is confirmed that Arshavin has passed his medical. All that is needed now it Zenit's permission for the move to take place - but that hinges on the aforementioned player.

I don't know what to believe anymore. :bailey:

 

[Mentalist]

The reported demands from Zenit for half the player's signing on fee may have been the sticking point.

So long as he stays at Zenit, he won't grow as a player.

He's not even going to play from them if he stays. He's already basically on strike and is at the point of loathing Zenit for making this move so difficult.

And at the same time Wenger needs to just fucking commit and make this happen. If it costs a bit more then so be it.

 

[Mentalist]

Also, as for the other news in the Transfer Window... Robbie Keane back to Spurs?


Rafa is a right fucking moron.

 

[Gagh]

God bless BBC's 606 - Home of the ranting nutter.

1752: "Who needs Arshavin when you have Eboue?"
eboateng on 606

 

[Gagh]

At least some of them have a sense of humour

THIS JUST IN: Ameobi to sign for Manchester United for a straight swap with Ronaldo. Ferguson has been quoted saying "Ameobi is an undoubted talent, i'm sure he can prove his worth at this fantastic club."

 

[Mentalist]

Breaking News: Arsene Wenger: Arshavin Deal Will Go Through

The Arsenal manager has insisted that there will be a positive outcome to the protracted saga of the deal at last...


Further news to follow...

BOOYAH!

 

[Gagh]

4 year contract. £12m.

Let's hope he lives up to it.

 

[WillsZenith]

he holding out for a man city pay day...

 

[Mentalist]

4 year contract. £12m.

Let's hope he lives up to it.

Finally. Just read the confirmation. I reckon we have a bargain. 12m? That's fantastic.

 

[Gagh]

OR IS IT?

 

[WillsZenith]

hmmmm to late for this season, arsenal need more...

 

[Mentalist]

Oh we don't have a dog's chance in hell of taking the title this year. But I think with Arsharvin we will snatch our CL spot comfortably back.

Eduardo, Rosicky, Walcott, Fabregas.


All injured for us. The heart and soul of the creative force of the team. Arsharvin is a creative playmaker that gives us a fantastic option on the wing and he can play behind the main striker and in the middle of the park as well.

Next season we will have very good attacking options, I have no doubt about that, with this capture of Arshavin we are set on the wings, we are set up front with RVP and Ade soon to able to get a rest in some games with the inclusion of Eduardo. Atm...well before this capture of Arshavin we were bare in numbers on the wings, not many creative players, now Arshavin can step in and when Rosicky is fit them two can compete it out for the left wing.

 

[Gagh]

I binned Adebayor for van Persie in my Dream Today (I'm 1 point off the lead - end of season prize £500 for winning).

RVP is the leading striker in the Dream Team. Adebayor - £7.5m, RVP - £5.5m. No brainer, there.

Adebyaor will now probably go on a goal-binge.

 

[WillsZenith]

I expect arsenal to finish strongly in the second half of the season, enough to overtake villa, still think your 2-3 years from a title winning side

 

[Mentalist]

................Ade/or/Eduardo

.........................V.Persie/or/Vela


Arsharvin/or/Rosicky---Fabregas---Nasri--Walcott


Clichy---Gallas/or/Toure---Djourou---Sagna

........................Almunia



It's a team capable of beating any team in the world. Consistency is our major downfall. Nasri is played on the wing but he's better in the middle. But at the same time isn't a good partner for Fabregas (who is the best midfielder in the world; accept no pretenders to the throne) since they are both attacking mids. We need a player like Flamini (should never have let him go) to partner Cesc but we simply don't have a DM in the squad anywhere near that level. We have Song. Also, Nasri is far too good to be used as a simple backup to Cesc so I see him rotating on the wing with Walcott, filling in for Fabregas now that we have Arsharvin and sometimes partnering him with Cesc when we're not playing top 4 teams and the like.

Veloso would be perfect for a DM. I still can't believe Bolton thought they had a chance.

Then we have to look at our defence. I'm extremley happy with Sagna and Clichy. They're pure worldclass quality. Both of them. Djourou is looking really good but we still need another solid and tall CB there.

So, CB and DM. Then we're set for world domination.


Remember we dominated the PL for the first 2/3rds of last season. We just lost major composure at the end and fucked it up. We also had Hleb and Flamini though. Hleb is quality but Nasri is better so no problem there but no replacement for Flamini still pisses me off. Diaby, Denilson and Song are just not good enough.

We have Wilshire and Ramsay almost ready to make waves and plenty more incredible talent in our youth team which will rise up to the first team in the next few years.

So I don't agree that we're a few years off the PL title but who knows. It's football. It's hard to predict.

 

[WillsZenith]

you know wenger and the kids, he tends to loan them out then sell them, arsenal are improving but teams like villa , *ahem* man city , and even everton are creeping up...