The Arshavin Saga

A.R Rahman won a Golden Globe, Nominations for the Academies announced, a handful of new trailers, a sort of joie de vivre experienced by my constant visits to the romantic South Mumbai and seeds of entrepreneurial indulgence apart, there has been one extravagance I have not been able to get enough of - The Saga of The Arshavin Transfer -

K.. Some reference for those who came in late... The tale begins early last year, when in the Euros, Arshavin (winger for the Russian team), decimated Dutch defences to take Russia to the Semi Finals. The Euros walked away with 3 big stars - David Villa, Fernando Torres and Arshavin (testament to his awesomeness being the fact that he only played 2 matches compared to the others who went on to play till the finals).

Club offers started pouring in subsequently to Arshavin's club Zenit St. Petersburg, who want 30 Mill (pounds by the way). Arsene Wenger one of the first to apply immediately slips away. Why? -I just said 30 mill!! This is Arsene Wenger we are talking about here!!! He wont buy his mom back for anything more than 12 Million Pounds.... 1 Million more than what he paid for Silvain Wiltord.. who FYI is the club's most expensive buy till date!!

Anyways... soon everyone from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Tottenham were chasing the Russian, but everyone gave up on Zenit's asking price. Why?? Too fucking high thats why!!! The sky, their price and the geniouses at Zenit who came up with it!!!

The season progresses with Arsenal dropping points left, right and centre. Defeats to Hull and Wigan leave the Gunner's smarting. Additionally, most of Arsene's men, start dropping like cannon balls fresh out of steam... Eduardo and Rosicky out with injuries to the knee and tendon respectively, Walcott out with a shoulder dislocation.. and the final nail in the coffin.. Fabregas.. our Captain out for the latter half of the season with a knee injury as well (ironically by Xabi Alonso whom Wenger wanted to bring in from Liverpool to compliment Fabregas).

Meanwhile Zenit had their own problems... Arshavin was demotivated due to Zenit having priced him out of a move.... Dejected and smarting with the humiliation Arshavin underperforms and gets pushed to the bench, with Zenit's coach Dick Advocaat growing exceedingly frustrated of his delinquent Second Striker.

For me the only story I can draw parallels with here is the story of Seabiscuit... A broken horse and a broken jockey come together in a time of depression to make a miracle happen! We have a depression (or recession or whatever the fuck-ion you might want to call it) The twain are yet to meet let alone make miracles, however the saga of one of the most painstakingly long transfers had begun....

A month of negotiations and transfer rumours later the story stood with:

1. Arsenal unwilling to pay more than 12 million punds plus add ons for Arshavin.
2. Them landing outside the top 4, with Aston Villa taking their spot. This, again for those who came in late means no Champions League for Arsenal.
3. Arshavin, refusing to play for Zenit, boycotting training sessions and praying to God to make the transfer happen.
4. Arsene Wenger, being his customary cool as a cucumber self.... Arsenal notches up a 9 game undefeated spree. Still out of the top 4 though.
   

Now for events in the last 10 days when things really started heating up.

January 24

A report in The Guardian indicates that Arshavin could go on strike if he is not permitted to leave for the Gunners.

Rumours that Arshavin is set to leave gather pace as Zenit look to sign Juventus' Vincenzo Iaquinta by way of attacking replacement.

It is reported that Zenit are set to 'reject' Arsenal's 'final' offer, but negotiations actually continue.

January 25

Reports emerge stating that Arshavin could use a FIFA clause to buy out the remainder of his contract, although this probably would not take place until November.

January 26

Andrei's former Zenit teammate, Martin Skrtel, states that Arshavin would prefer to go to Spain than England.

January 27

Zenit beat Litex Lovech 1-0 in their Dubai training camp. Andrei Arshavin does not take part, fuelling speculation that a move is upcoming.

Maxim Mitrofanov asks whether Arshavin is interested in playing success, or just cash?

Zenit director Maxim Mitrofanov reveals further details of Arshavin's supposed wage demands from Arsenal.

Former Arsenal legend Paul Merson argues that Arshavin would bring nothing new to the Emirates table in terms of play style.

Arsene Wenger announces that it's "all quiet" on the Arsahvin front, and advises reporters to stick to official sources.

Official news: Zenit state that they have practically accepted an offer from Arsenal, and only Arshavin's personal terms remain as an obstacle to a transfer.

January 28

Arshavin is named in the Russian squad for a training camp scheduled to take place in Turkey from February 8th-12th.

Maxim Mitrofanov tells Arshavin that buying out his contract so that he can leave Zenit will not happen.

Vincenzo Iaquinta's agent has rubbished reports linking his client to Zenit, but he was interested in the Arshavin to Arsenal saga.

We ask whether or not a move to Arsenal is right for the player himself in our Goal.com Poll.

Arsene Wenger says that any player who would seek to break the Gunners' wage structure simply will not join Arsenal.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger admits that the Arshavin transfer saga is becoming a burden for his side.

January 29

A Russian tabloid report claims that Arshavin is refusing to train during Zenit's pre-season camp in the UAE.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says that the Arshavin deal is '90 Per Cent Completed' and hopes that the situation will be concluded within 48 hours.

January 30

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger claims that in fact no work permit was issued for Andrei Arshavin - or anyone else - contrary to earlier reports.

Saturday 31 January (all times CET)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has claimed that 'anything can happen' with regards to the Andrei Arshavin move.

Andrei Arshavin flies to London for talks with Arsenal, according to reports.

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has explained exactly why he wants Andrei Arshavin of Zenit at the Emirates.

Sunday 1 February

Is it finally happening?! According to reports, Andrei Arshavin is flying from St. Petersburg to London for Arsenal talks...

Meanwhile former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit would rather see Mathieu Flamini return to the Emirates than Arshavin sign.

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein implies that Andrei Arshavin is needed at the Emirates.

Despite the Gunners' 0-0 draw with West Ham at the weekend, coach Arsene Wenger says that Arsenal are in no need of 'saviour' Andrei Arshavin alone.

Arshavin's agent denies the player flew to London yesterday and instead claims he travelled back to St Petersburg.

Now we follow the saga on the last day.............