By John Cross
Zenit St Petersburg, Dynamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow all interested in Emirates misfit… PLUS Juventus have put Bendtner on diet.
Home is where the heart is… Zenit St Petersburg supporters lift up loan star Andrey Arshavin during successful spell with club last season Home is where the heart is… Zenit St Petersburg supporters lift up loan star Andrey Arshavin during successful spell with club last season.
Three Russian clubs have shown an interest and it leaves Arsenal with another dilemma on whether to sell Arshavin now – or risk losing him for free next summer.
Arshavin, 31, whose contract expires in 2013, could still leave because the Russian transfer window closes today (Thursday). Zenit St Petersburg, Dynamo Moscow and CSKA Moscow have all made enquiries.
It is understood there has been discussion between Arsenal and Zenit after Arshavin rejoined his former club in February on loan. Arsenal and Arshavin are both open to a last minute move even though he has been included in Arsene Wenger’s plans.
Arsenal had wanted £5m for Arshavin but will now settle for less than a third of that figure even though they signed the player in 2009 for £12m.
Russian star Arshavin fancied a lucrative move to the Middle East or China this summer but impressed Gunners boss Wenger with his commitment in pre-season and in training.
Arshavin was a substitute on the opening day against Sunderland but did not make the squad in the last two games and has again raised question marks on his future.
Arsenal had a similar situation in February when his loan to Zenit went to the wire and now Arshavin’s future could be resolved whether a firm bid comes in.
Wenger would have to balance as to whether he has enough cover if he decides to sell but – like with Theo Walcott last week – they do not want him to go into the final year of his contract.
Meanwhile, Nicklas Bendtner – who missed nearly all of Arsenal’s pre-season preparations while looking for a new club – has been put on a special diet and fitness programme after signing for Juventus while overweight.
Juventus have told Bendtner that he will not be in their first team plans until he gets himself back in shape.
