Champions League - Arshavin targets Madrid move
Eurosport - Wed, 12 Nov 18:20:00 2008
Zenit St Petersburg star Andrei Arshavin has said he would love to join Real Madrid, who are reportedly keen to sign him, if his club will let him go.
"How could I not want to go to Real Madrid, it's a great team, one of the best," Arshavin told AS.
"The only thing that I have said is that I want to leave Zenit next year at all costs and I think by the start of 2009 I will definitely be with another team.
"I have not come out in favour of another club. The most important thing now is not whether Real Madrid wants me or not, but rather if Zenit will let me leave," said the playmaker, one of the revelations of Euro 2008.
AS claimed that Real want to sign the Russian on a six-month loan from January.
The Spanish champions would then negotiate the purchase of the striker with Zenit, based on his performance during those six months, it said.
The 27-year-old was linked with a move to Premier League side Tottenham last summer, but finally remained at Zenit after the Russian club refused to budge on its 30 million euro (£25m) asking price.
Real are on the lookout for new strikers after Brazil's Robinho left for Manchester City in September and Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy suffered a knee injury which could see him out of action for several weeks.
Real are currently fourth in La Liga, two points behind leaders Barcelona, with their attack relying largely on the good form of Argentine Gonzalo Higuain.
In the Champions League, Real have suffered two defeats against Juventus, and must beat Zenit next month to be sure of qualifying for the last eight.
Real would be unable to play Arshavin in the Champions League as he has already turned out for Zenit in the competition this season.
Related Stories
This site is Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! and Eurosport. All rights reserved.
- Terms of Service
- Updated Privacy Policy
- Copyright/IP Policy
- Remarks and Suggestions
- Corporate info
- Jobs at Eurosport
Notice: We collect personal information on this site. To learn more about how we use your information, see our Privacy Policy.
Comment 1 - 10 of 10
Real Madrid Don't deserve such a talented Player.
I like this player , he takes me back to the 1988 ; the golden age of USSR.
But I never liked Russian..
Real supposedly have a 'crisis', but I don't think that's anything Raul and Higuain can't handle.
When Ruud comes back, Arshavin will only be a sub, playing in cup ties next season.
I agree marko. Bad timing on his part.
To be honest, Spurs can use him and his pal Pavlyuchenko better (and more often) than Real will.
If Zenit make it to the UEFA Cup knowckouts by finishing third, I doubt Zenit will let him go. They will want to defend that title!
Arshavin is a good player, but he will be eclipsed by van Nistelrooy, Higuain and even Raul if he goes to Real. Maybe he can be a sub?
arshavin is a great player. it'll be worth the struggle if they successfully buy arshavin.
prince
Arshavin is a talented player. No doubt about it, especially if you've seen him actually play.
I personally would greatly like to see him in the Premier League. For him to go to a club like Liverpool, Tottenham or Manchester City would be great!
He's good, but he's yet to hit his peak. He will do that and be amazing if he joins a Premier League time. Only time will tell. :)
Poor timing on his part following the news of Van Nistelrooy's injury - wouldn't loke to think that he's trying to take advantage of someone else's misfortune.....Would never fill Ruud's boots anyway
30mln EUR for Arshavin. Are they crazy???
I think his max market value should be around 15mln EUR.
Not good enough to go 2 real...
Arshavin is overated. Get over yourself to be honest i hope he just stays in Russia.
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account