Arsenal FC

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• Manager:Arsene Wenger

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Arshavin cost Gunners move

20 Aug 2008 - 09:38:24

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Andrei Arshavin's agent has revealed his client could have joined Arsenal earlier this summer but asked for too much money.

The 27-year-old Russia international saw his stock rise dramatically on the back of an impressive Euro 2008 tournament.

Arshavin has seen a potential move to Barcelona fall through after his current club side Zenit St Petersburg refused to lower their £20million asking price.

But now agent Dennis Lachter claims his client also priced himself out of a deal with the Gunners.

"(Arsene) Wenger was serious about buying Arshavin," said Lachter.

"If Andrei could have tempered his financial appetite, it was quite possible he would be playing at the Emirates right now.

"Arsenal were prepared to pay about £15million for him.

"Wenger is indeed a cunning fox who always says one thing and does the other.

"He wanted Andrei, but Arsenal are the only top English club who do not pay large salaries."

Tottenham Hotspur are the only other English club who are believed to still be in the running to sign the talented playmaker.