Andrey Arshavin will not be sold in January window, says
Arsene Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he
has no plans to sell forward Andrey Arshavin in the January transfer window,
and is confident the 'efficient' Russian can deliver the goods while the
club bid to get their injured players fit.
Arsene Wenger says Andrey Arshavin will not be sold in
January transfer window (Picture: Getty)
Arshavin celebrates his third anniversary in English football later this
month, following his protracted ?15million move from Zenit St Petersburg
in 2009, in a deal that saw him become Arsenal's record signing.
However, despite a flying start to life in north London, Arshavin has
suffered a dip in form in the last 18 months, leading to mass speculation
he will be forced out of the Emirates Stadium.
As Metro revealed last week, former club Zenit have been desperate to
re-sign the Russian captain for months but are refusing to budge on their
?3million valuation, which Arsenal see as insulting.
Arshavin has been called 'efficient' by the Arsenal boss
(Picture: EPA)
The 30-year-old also has interest elsewhere, but met with Wenger this
week for talks about his future, in which both parties agreed it best
for the player to stay.
The Gunners boss has since told the media he can't afford to lose somebody
of Arshavin's class at present.
'On top of our injuries, we cannot lose players of that quality. It is
too difficult,' he said.
Out of form: The Russian has been criticised for his performances
(Picture: PA)
The comments come just days after Wenger had praised Arshavin for his
goals and assists ratio, before the forward was booed by a small section
of fans following the 3-2 defeat to Swansea City.
'If you look at his numbers you are always surprised at how good he is,'
he continued.
'Sometimes the visual impression you get from a game has been frustrating,
but he is very efficient.
'We can all have a big responsibility but we need confidence for what
we do.
'We know he has the talent. He's been questioned many times but his attitude
has always been spot on.'
Arshavin has 18 months left on his current Arsenal deal, but there are
no plans at present for talks over an extension.
