Arshavin's on-off Arsenal move finally off?
Andrei Arshavin's protracted move to Arsenal from Zenit St Petersburg could be dead in the water after last-ditch talks in London stalled on Monday morning, re-opened in the afternoon and then collapsed in early evening.
However, while Zenit spokesman Alexei Petrov told Reuters: "I can confirm that the deal is definitely off," there could yet be a further twist in the story.
The 27-year-old Russia playmaker, who caught the eye in last summer's European Championships, travelled to the UK on Sunday and was in place to undergo the formalities of the transfer, provided the two clubs could an reach agreement over a fee.
On Monday morning key figures in the deal revealed that Arshavin had left for London City Airport and the move was off, only for a late move from Arsenal seemed to resurrect the transfer.
It is understood that the two clubs were at loggerheads over Zenit's £15m asking price; the two parties then agreed terms only for an 11-th hour hitch to scupper the deal.
With London City Airport still closed because of the snow which has gripped the UK and blighted Monday's transfer dealings, Arshavin remains in the UK and a deal could yet be thrashed out.
Although the transfer window officially closed at 5pm UK time the Premier League are allowing special dispensation because of the weather which could allow clubs to complete deals, as such the Arshavin saga could yet have some way to run. |
發表於 2009-2-3 02:33 AM
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