Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Gunners seal Arshavin deal

03 Feb 2009 - 17:06:22

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Arsenal have confirmed the capture of Russia star Andrei Arshavin following a protracted saga which stretched 24 hours beyond the Premier League's transfer deadline.

Arshavin, 27, has joined the Gunners "on a long-term contract and for an undisclosed fee" from Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.

The star of Russia's Euro 2008 side had been in north London on Monday in anticipation of his move to the Emirates Stadium.

However, reports claimed the deal had fallen through as the player was unable to reach a financial settlement with Zenit over a loyalty bonus.

Arshavin saw moves to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Internazionale fall through last summer with Zenit unwilling to lower their asking price and his proposed switch to the Gunners was believed to be in jeopardy.

But following 24 hours of intense negotiations - helped by the Premier League relaxing their deadline due to the inclement weather hampering the logistics of transfers being completed - Arsene Wenger has finally landed his man.

The transfer fee which has brought the attacking midfielder to north London is believed to be in the region of £15million.

"Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that Russian international midfielder Andrei Arshavin has joined the Gunners from Zenit St Petersburg on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee," confirmed a club statement.