Wenger: Arshavin to England
25 Jun 2008 - 07:14:14
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects coveted Russia midfielder Andrei Arshavin to move to the Premier League after Euro 2008.
The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker has taken the tournament by storm after missing the first two group matches through suspension before returning to play a key role in Russia's run to the semi-finals.
The 27-year-old was also named man-of-the-match as Zenit won last season's UEFA Cup, but has already admitted he is looking to move on to one of Europe's major leagues this summer.
But despite claiming Arshavin is likely to move to England, Wenger is not looking to add him to his ranks at the Emirates Stadium as he feels he has missed the boat in terms of the player's age.
Wenger has a pedigree of scouting young talent from across the world and breaking them slowly into the first-team at the north London club.
"I wish I'd seem him at 21 or 22," he said. "I predict he will come to the Premier League, or go to a big club in Italy. The way he plays is something very special.
"He could be tempted by wanting to play in the best league, of course.
"Would you be surprised? If you ask me do I think he will be in the Premier League I would say yes because that's a prediction."