Russian to link up with Arshavin at the Emirates?

Rumours circulating in today's press have seen Pavel Pogrebnyak linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.

Pogrebnyak, 25, a tall and powerful striker has scored 4 goals in 12 games for Zenit this season and has also managed 5 goals in 14 games at international level. He is a potent finisher with both feet, he is also good in the air and also a free-kick taker.

The Zenit St.Petersburg striker formed a potent partnership with Andrey Arshavin while the winger was in St Petersburg and they have also linked up at international level,although an injury prevented Pogrebnyak from taking part in last years' European Championships.

Emmanuel Adebayor has been linked with a move to AC Milan this summer and if that move materialises, Arsenal could be tempted to raid Zenit for the second time in six months.

Arshavin has been a revelation since his move to London, the highlight being his four-goal haul against Liverpool at Anfield last month. If he could link up with Pogrebnyak again, the pairing could be a handful for Premier League defences next season.

Click on the video for more of Pavel Pogrebnyak in action:

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.

Do we really need Arshavin at £20 million?

Andrei Arshavin is undoubtedly a class-act, he helped Zenit St.Petersburg in their victorius UEFA Cup campaign and has proved to be a star turn for Russia.

The Russian has been linked from here to Timbuktu with a move to the Gunners during January. So if we do actually sign the Russian would it be a good move?

Firstly with Wenger saying we have little money to spend, the touted figure of £20 million, or even £14 million as some have suggested seems a bit excessive.

Secondly, Arshavin is 27, and is therefore not a typical Wenger signing, £20 million for a 27 year-old is a bit much for a club with the transfer policy of a team of Scrooges.

Thirdly, Wenger has time and again said he doesn't want to stunt the development of the young players growing at Arsenal. Bringing in Arshavin, who at the very least should have 4 or 5 years left in him, would undoubtedly hinder the chances of Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Carlos Vela and Jack Wilshere from getting into the team, as I'm assuming he will be deployed in a wide position.

On the other hand, Arsenal have seemed to be lacking an experienced figure in midfield at times this season, and Arshavin would add this to the side.

There has also been a lack of pace on the wings while Walcott has been out injured. Denilson, Diaby or Ramsey have been deployed on the wings, none of them are natural wingers and none have blistering pace. Eboue has at times filled in well, but is obviuosly lacking in confidence at the moment.

Arshavin would be a good signing for Arsenal, but is he really worth the prices being banded about?

Would it not be better to spend the money on a defensive midfielder or a centre-back?

What do you think?