Agent claims that Arshavin is a target of jealousy at
Arsenal and could be lured by Barcelona
All smiles: But Andrey Arshavin's agent says
his player isn't completely happy at Arsenal. Photo:
dailymail.co.uk
Andrey Arshavin's agent is claiming that Barcelona and other
top clubs are interested in luring him away from Arsenal, and that Gunners
stars Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie are jealous of the Russian striker's
sudden popularity in London.
Dennis Lachter's comments ahead of Arsenal's Champion's League semi-final
are likely to infuriate Arsene Wenger - but they also suggest Arshavin
has been disparaging about some team mates in his private talks with his
agent.
'It's not only Barcelona,' said Lachter. 'After the game at Liverpool
where Andrey scored four goals several teams told me they were interested
in him.
'But currently he is an Arsenal player. Taking into consideration the
amount of money which was paid for him and important role he's already
acquired at the club, my client is not going to leave.
Despite Lachter's comments, the Russian midfielder
appears to get on fine with Cesc Fabregas. Photo:
dailymail.co.uk
'Though - to tell the truth - the players of Arsenal are
not easy to deal with. The squad consists almost entirely of foreigners.
The French diaspora rules there.
'Also there are guys - like van Persie and Fabregas - who are rather jealous
about Andrey's fast growing popularity in England.
'But such situation can only add motivation for him to work harder and
improve his football skills.'
Asked by a St Petersburg newspaper if Arshavin had any specific problems
with his team-mates Lachter said: 'No, but he was a target of jokes.
'Not very smart jokes, I must admit. But that's a football team for you.
Such jokes are the same everywhere - in Russia or England.'
The agent also made clear that while Arshavin is not quite happy with
his current position on the pitch, he is prepared to play wherever Arsene
Wenger wants to use him.
'To put it mildly he doesn't like playing on the left. But at the moment
Wenger has a problem in that zone. So until they buy a good left-winger,
Andrey is going to play there.
