Arsenal Atletico Madrid 2-1 Highlights

Highlights of the game..... Jack Wilshere was MoM and Arshavin scored a brace. Check out Goal.coms player ratings here

Arsenal Defeats Atletico Madrid 2-1

Check out this miraculous Arshavin goal tonight.. If there is a God.... He has to be short, Russian and definitely Arshavin. Stay posted for highlights...

Its Officially Arsh-enal Now!!!

After the longest possible saga in the history of December transfers, Arsene Wenger has probably signed the biggest name signing he has done in his entire tenure at Arsenal. In fact this is the longest a transfer has taken in terms of tenure, because the deal finalization by FA actually happened post closure of the transfer window. Almost 24 hours of extra time was granted to Arsenal thanks to the snow storm which enveloped the city yesterday.

The importance of the blizzard cannot be undermined as Arshavin had rumouredly declined Arsenal's offer initially and was on his way home (or to Man City). However due to the storm, he was forced to stay back at Highbury House, which probably gave the powers that be a little extra bit of time to arry on negotiations. After the papers were signed and submitted at the nth hour, FA took some more time to actually approve the signing, during which time unreliable Zenit and FA sources, spoke to the media, often calling the deal off.

However all speculation aside.... Ladies, Gentlemen and all my fellow Gooners... I proudly unveil our new No. 23, The Artful Dodger, The One, The Only......Andreiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Aarshaaaaaavinnnn!!!!!

Arshavin Saga (Contd.)

Final update before closure:

A fee was reportedly agreed, with Arshavin agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

The Russia international supposedly penned a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Emirates Stadium.

However, a Zenit spokesman was then quoted as saying that the deal had fallen through, "I can confirm that the deal is definitely off," Zenit's Alexei Petrov told Reuters.

General director Maxim Mitrofanov is now claiming talks are still ongoing.

"The clubs have a mutual desire to complete the transaction,” Mitrofanov told Sovetsky Sport at 5.40pm. "Negotiations are continuing."

Status on Facebook - "does not know if Arshavin is a real person, or just some sick and twisted made up being to torment my life..."

Arshavin Saga (Contd.) - Dichotomy

2 seemingly contradictory news reports from 2 reliable news sources - AP and Sky Sports

News from AP: Zenit St. Petersburg has failed to reach a deal with Arsenal on the transfer of midfielder Andrei Arshavin, a spokesman for the Russian club said Monday.

Alexei Petrov told The Associated Press that the deal broke down over the size of the transfer fee and the amount of compensation Zenit would be paid for allowing Arshavin to break his four-year contract.

"The deal didn't happen. Arshavin is coming back to Zenit," Petrov said, but he added that a deal could be revived in the summer.

Arshavin, one of the stars of Euro 2008, has long been linked with a move to Arsene Wenger's side and on Monday flew to London in an effort to seal a move on the last day of the winter transfer window.

Sky Sports News: Paperwork for Andrei Arshavin's transfer to Arsenal has been sent and received by the FA.

After a day of claim and counter claim, it would appear that Arsenal have finally secured the services of the Russian playmaker.

There has been no official word from inside the Emirates but it is believed that the player has passed a medical after a fee was agreed with Zenit less than an hour before the 5pm deadline.

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.............

Updates On The Gunners

Fourth in the Premier League, second in their Champions League Group... Things haven't been going really well for the Gunners this season... Added to that Fabregas going out for 4 months, Rosiscky still recovering and Eduardo on the sidelines as well, we seem to be headed for troubled times.

The good news is that board members have allotted Wenger with a war chest of over 30 Million pounds along with probable transfers in the forms of Gallas (more or less certain - Juventus or AC Milan), Bendtner(Inter maybe) and Carlos Vela, the month of January might see quite a few transfers, even some big ones which would be very uncharacteristic of Wenger. Now lets have a look see at who possible transfers for this season maybe:


Yaya Toure (Barcelona):

• Who is he: Midfielder from Ivory Coast. Is only 24 yrs of age. Is capable of pushing forward to support the attack if required, as well as being adept at passing the ball at speed to keep moves flowing.
• Why do we need him: With Cesc missing from action and from the obious impact of Flamini and Hleb's departure, there is a dire need to strengthen the midfield. Additionally Yaya is 6'2 which should get him an advantage in set pieces and is also great at long range.
  
• Why would he move: Wants to unite with his broth Kolo. Is not getting first team status at Nou Camp.
• What works against us: Press releases from Yaya giving mixed signals. Barca. And Arsene's thrift.
  

Andrei Arshavin

• Who is he: Russian Midfielder. A creative genious. Combines immense pace, confidence and skill. Every big team is gunning to get him on the squad.
  
• Why do we need him: No goal scoring midfielder since the days of Robert Pires. His presence in my opinion would completely transform Arsenal's goal scoring fortunes. Now al we need would be a strong Central defence.
  
• Why would he move: What Arsene wants Arsene gets. His need for Arshavin is more dire than ever. Real Madrid and Tottenham are other contenders, however Tottenham would almost definitely be removed from the shortlist. Real Madris might be difficult to shake off though.
  
• What works against us: Arsene's thrift. Personality-wise Arshavin seems to be looking for the big names. His recent interactions with Zenit have borne testimonial to that. Real would therefore be a more obvious choice. Fingers really crossed on this one.

Xabi Alonso:

• Who is he: Liverpool midfield ace. Also plays in Spain's first team for which Cesc did not qualify for. 'Nuff said.
• Why do we need him: Cesc needs to have strong support to be able to orchestrate. Sadly Denilson is takin insane amounts of time to shape up and our midfield replacements are 15yr olds, talented no doubt, but kids. I personally think Nasri is awesome, but we have been suffering quite a bit due to lack of depth in the squad.
• Why would he move: His last few seasons under Rafa were shaping up quite ordinary. However Arsene wanted him and therefore Rafa gave the 'Pass Master' another shot and this season he has shaped up really well. If you haven't noticed yet... I dont really have a good reason.
• What Works Against Us: All of the above and Arsene's thrift.

In Part 2 of the summer transfer rumours:

• David Villa (Valencia)
  
• Silva (Valencia)
  
• Carlos Tevez (Man Utd.)
• Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)