A new day, a new Arshavin story 20 January, 2009

The story of our transfer window goes on and on but today it takes a new twist. Today, it’s looking less likely that he will sign and the deal is now being described at 50:50.

Gunnerblog has an exclusive from a Russian newspaper saying that we are refusing to fly out to Russia and negotiate:

“Zenit are prepared to meet Arsenal to discuss this. We are ready to reduce the fee and accept certain bonus clauses as part of the agreement. But so far Arsenal have refused to increase their offer for Andrei above £12m. If the Londoners come over to Russia to meet with us there is a very good chance they will get Arshavin. But so far that hasn’t happened as Arsenal say they see no point in having discussions in St. Petersburg.”

That’s quite remarkable if true. If we really want the player then of course we should go out there to finalize the deal. It sounds like we are so nearly there. Have we not learnt anything from the Alonso deal in the summer? Our reluctance to pay an extra million or two cost us dear and left us bare for the season.

Now January has rolled around we have a chance to add to the squad. Arshavin would be a great talent to have on board and we’re closing in on him. All it’s going to take is that little push more and he will be ours.

I’m just worried that this will fall through and we’ll end up with no one. Last week Wenger said he has his eye on other people but I’m not counting on that. We really need a big name and if there was anything going on then we probably heard by now. I think we’re being sneaky and we’re going to go in and raise Manchester City’s offer for ‘Kaka. It’s all part of the master plan.

This story is going to go on and on but at least in two weeks time we will know where we stand.

There’s really not a lot going on this early in the week. Wenger’s been talking about Aaron Ramsey saying he’s pleased with his progress and thinks he’s definitely one for the future.

Well I’m gonna leave it there for today, speak to you tomorrow – no doubt with more crap from Arshavin’s representatives.

See ya.