Agent cools Arshavin reports
07 Jan 2009 - 11:25:13
The agent of Zenit St Petersburg's star forward Andrei Arshavin has played down reports that Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal for his client.
The 27-year-old left-sided playmaker is all but certain to quit the Russian club this month, but talk of an imminent move to join the Gunners are slightly premature according to Arshavin's representative.
Dennis Lachter told the London Evening Standard: "There are no negotiations yet.
"It is the people of Zenit trying to initiate some kind of interest. They are trying to use the media to make the price of Arshavin £20million."
Zenit coach Dick Advocaat had earlier stated: "I am aware that Arsenal are interested, but I do not know any more than that.
"However, I am expecting Arshavin to leave Zenit for another club.
"He is a top player and he could play for any team and any of the top teams in England - Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea or Liverpool.
"Arshavin played well for us last season, but he didn't play as well as he can. There is still more to come from him and people will see that."