Zenit to offer Arshavin lucrative return?
442 Staff - Wednesday 03 June 2009, 13:49
Zenit St Petersburg are reportedly ready to offer Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin a lucrative offer to return home to Russia, less than six months after arriving in England.
The Russian international joined the Emirates Stadium outfit at the beginning of February for £15 million, and enjoyed an explosive start to his Premier League career, netting six league goals in 12 appearances, including four against Liverpool at Anfield.
However, the diminutive playmaker has recently revealed his shock and horror at the hefty amount of tax being deducted from his salary.
And the news is thought to have prompted the 28-year-old's former club - who are backed by the largest oil and gas company in the world - to plot a big-money move to lure Arshavin back to his homeland.
Zenit are currently languishing in sixth place in the Russian Premier League, losing three of their last five matches.
"The bosses of the St Petersburg club intend to make Andrey a very thoroughly thought out offer which can motivate him to return home," said Sport Den Za Dnem, quoting a source.
"He has started his career at Arsenal brilliantly but that is not an obstacle for negotiations - on the contrary money is a good reason to begin them. Zenit need reinforcements."
Zenit St Petersburg have refused to comment on the speculation.
ARSENAL FANS! Check FourFourTwo.com’s ever-expanding interviews archive for more stuff to read:
Web Exclusives Patrick Vieira, Cesc Fabregas
Q&A Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas
One on One Arsene Wenger, Thierry Henry, Ian Wright
Boy's A Bit Special Theo Walcott, Armand Traore
Perfect XI Ian Wright
What Happened Next? Gus Caesar, Peter Marinello
And Another Thing Being a Big Four fan
Plus! Rate Arsenal players (and others) on Talentspotter