Loading ...Jul 31 2008
Zenit Confirms Arshavin Talks With Tottenham, Quotes Five Day Timeline
Yesterday, Andrei Arshavin’s agent said that Zenit St. Petersburg was in negotiations with Tottenham regarding the transfer for his client to the North London club. Today, the club confirmed the negotiations, adding that the Russian Prince could be making his way to England within five days.
The price Zenit is reported to be seeking is £20 million with at least one report saying it’s £24 million, the highest figure reported since the Arshavin frenzy started six weeks ago. The main difference between then any now: Tottenham has already started to play their hand in regards to their strikers, having sold Robbie Keane to Liverpool. Zenit will be negotiating from a position of strength - able to afford Arshavin, willing to keep him, having a buyer with a need. Still, you don’t quote a number like £24 million for a 27-year-old unless you’re willing to come down. If Zenit is willing to let their number fall below £20 million so Spurs don’t take a loss on the Keane sale, a deal should be done.
Between player and new club, negotiations may also be farther along then yesterday’s initial reports hinted. Arshavin’s agent says that personal terms have been agreed to between the Russian Prince and Spurs, helping to explain why reports have surfaced of Tottenham’s withdrawal from David Villa and Diego Milito talks. Arshavin now seems destined for White Hart Lane, as it is unlikely Spurs would have gotten to this point in Zenit talks, forsaking other options, if they were not eventually prepared to meet Zenit’s asking price. Perhaps Zenit should hold out for the full £24 million?
Zenit’s preparations for an Arshavin move are said to have begun, with the St. Petersburg club having made a play for Marseille’s Mathieu Valbuena. Their did was reported to be €18 million, a good amount for a 23-year-old midfielder who has only one year’s experience at a top level. With Arshavin gone, Zenit will need another scoring threat to compliment and compensate for Pavel Progrebnyak. Valbuena is unlikely to be that kind of player.
Quotes
“We have certain contacts with Tottenham, but when they will conclude, I still do not know.” - Konstantin Sarsaniya, spokeman, Zenit
“Tottenham have an interest in the player, and I understand that the player has an interest in the club too.” - Sarsaniya
“Tottenham Hotpsur is the club to agree personal terms with the player but unfortunately we are too far making an agreement with Zenit St Petersburg.” - Dennis Lachter, agent, Arshavin
“The promises given to the player have gone and, day to day, there are new updates regarding the transfer.” - Lachter
“Several inside the club couldn’t agree the concept of the deal and this is the main problem.” - Lachter
“Andrei likes the way Juande Ramos is going to play at Tottenham and this is the main point of our decision - not only the money but the desire of the manager to have the player.” - Lachter
“I have already taken a final decision. It only remains to finalise it with the club management.” - Arshavin
Links
Zenit ready for Arshavin exit
Zenit: Arshavin talks continuing
Zenit hint Arshavin agreement is close
Zenit bid for Valbuena
Arshavin could join Tottenham Hotspur soon
Record fee for Bentley stretches Tottenham in pursuit of Arshavin
Spurs told to dig deeper for Arshavin after securing Bentley
Milito off Spurs’ radar
Arshavin agrees Spurs terms but deal stalls
Arshavin set to join Bentley at Spurs
Spurs in talks with Arshavin
Spurs in Arshavin talks
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