Arshavin seals Arsenal move
Andrei Arshavin completes protracted transfer to Arsenal
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Tuesday, 03, Feb 2009 10:58
Russian international playmaker Andrei Arshavin has finally completed his protracted transfer from Zenit St Petersburg to Arsenal.
The 27-year-old joins the Gunners for an undisclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £12 million, on what has been described by the north London club as a "long-term contract".
Arshavin's move has been ratified today after he passed a medical and agreed personal terms just before the transfer deadline at 17:00 GMT yesterday.
"I am so happy to be joining Arsenal," the player said of his move, which has been one of the most drawn-out of the last few years.
"They are one of the leading football clubs in the world, with a group of fantastic young players and a great manager.
"I am looking forward to making the Arsenal supporters happy and helping this great club win trophies."
Gunner boss Arsene Wenger, who is believed to have been tracking Arshavin for at least 12 months, said he is "delighted" to have finally sealed the transfer.
"He is a player I have admired for a long time," the Frenchman explained.
"He is a versatile player with great experience, who will add real quality to our squad.
"Andrei is an exciting impact player with a huge amount of ability and has been an influential force with both Zenit St Petersburg and the Russian national team in recent seasons."
Arshavin, who will wear the number 23 shirt at the Emirates Stadium, could be in line to make his full debut for the club in this weekend's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
However, the Russian will not be allowed to play in the Gunners' European campaign, having already competed for Zenit in this season's Champions League group stages.