Arsenal sign Russian wizard

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Russian playmaker, Andrey Arshavin for a reported fee of £15 million from Zenit St. Petersburg

The 27 year-old passed a medical and agreed personal terms on Monday after Arsenal and Zenit agreed a fee, however the move was still in question overnight as the paperwork needed to complete the deal had to be rubber-stamped by the FA. This was duly finalised this morning and the Russian is free to join his new team-mates at London Colney for training.

Arshavin rose to stardom at Euro 2008 producing scintilating displays against Sweden and Holland. He also helped Zenit to win the 2008 UEFA Cup alnd has been on Arsene Wenger's radar for a long time.

Wenger said, on Arsenal's website "“We are delighted to have signed Andrey Arshavin, he is a player I have admired for a long time. He is a versatile player with great experience, who will add real quality to our squad. Andrey is an exciting impact player with a huge amount of ability and has been an influential force with both Zenit St Petersburg and the Russian national team in recent seasons.”

The Russian said of his move to the Emirates, "I am so happy to be joining Arsenal. They are one of the leading football clubs in the world, with a group of fantastic young players and a great manager. I am looking forward to making the Arsenal supporters happy and helping this great Club win trophies."

The signing could be seen as a major coup for the Gunners with Arshavin attracting attention from other heavyweights such as Barcelona last summer. It is also the first deal finalised by Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal's new Chief Exectutive.

Arshavin will wear the no.23 shirt as his favoured no.10 is currently worn by William Gallas.

Joey Barton, pushing his luck

How many more chances does Joey Barton need?

The Newcastle midfielder was on the back pages again this morning after helping Newcastle to a much-needed win against high-flying Aston Villa, and getting himself embroiled in more controversy in the process.

Barton appeared to push Gabriel Agbonlahor in the face during the match which Newcastle won 2-0 to move off of the bottom of the league. The incident was not seen by officials, but disciplinary action could take place once Steve Bennett's referee's report and videos of the incident have been seen by the FA.

The ex-Man City midfielder proclaimed his innocence in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle saying “Nothing has gone on, people are making a mountain out of a mole hill."

Barton already has a 6-match suspended sentence lurking over him and it only seems a matter of time before the combative midfielder is on the back pages once again.