Andrei Arshavin’s much speculated move to Arsenal would rejuvinate the North London side’s season, providing them with much needed bite and creativity.
Since the Russian playmaker’s highly effective appearances in Euro 2008, in which he was twice given man of the match against Sweden and Holland, his departure from UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg has been inevitable.
Barcelona seemed the most likely to secure his services last summer after Arshavin himself expressed his “dream” to play there. But Barcelona bought Arsenal’s Alexander Hleb to fulfil that role for a cheaper price at £12m and with Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry, Bojan, Iniesta and Xavi they are hardly in need of any more exquisite playmakers.
Beat a man
Arsenal, however, are in desperate need. Without the pace of Theo Walcott, who is out with a shoulder injury, they have no ability to beat a man and take pressure off their defence.
Belarusian midfielder Alexander Hleb could retain the ball gracefully and curtsy around defenders with ease.
Hleb’s movement thrust the team forward and gave the strikers something to latch hold of. Hleb’s replacement, Samir Nasri, certainly does not do this at well.
Too often he is seen passing back to the defence, rarely does he run at players and he is shown to offer little width, looking far more comfortable like Luka Modric playing in the centre behind the strikers.
Sport-Express Player of the Year, Andrei Arshavin, at 27, has shown time and time again that he can do this.
Pundits and Gooners are calling out for defenders, goalkeepers, strikers etc. but realistically, the frugal Mr Wenger is not going to buy three or four players.
And to be fair to Wenger, Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood said little money would be available to him.
Arsenal have one shot at the transfer window. And the dynamic Russian should be it.
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