The on again-off again-on again-off again transfer saga involving Andrei Arshavin has finally ended, and it has ended well for Arsenal.
The Gunners have FINALLY landed their man after some harrowing negotiations that saw the deal "die" multiple deaths before ultimately being salvaged in the closing hours of the transfer window.
(UPDATE- Arsenal will have to wait until morning to find out if this transfer will officially go through, so as of right now, the deal is still up in the air. In other words, don't continue reading until final word comes Tuesday morning.)
The deal was one Arsenal absolutely had to make as Arsene Wenger's squad was in danger of coming away from the transfer window empty-handed despite being in desperate need of a creative midfielder to pick up the slack for injured star Cesc Fabregas. With Arshavin in the fold, Arsenal's hopes of grabbing one of the four Champions League berths in the English Premier League should get stronger.
What do you think of the signing? Is Arshavin the man to help turn things around at The Emirates? Think Arsenal should have brought in some more new blood?
Share your thoughts below.
It’ll take awhile for Arshavin to get settled at Arsenal. Not sure how much of a difference it will make this year. However, Arshavin is a GREAT player. I’m really happy that at the age of 27 (not too late) he’s gonna get a chance to play on the center-stage. Hopefully, he’ll get a chance to play in Champions League next year, although I don’t think they’re gonna catch Aston Villa. Will he be eligible to play in the remaining Champions League matches this season???
Great move, but he can’t save Arsenal by himself.
Don’t think this move happened.
I agree with all the readers who have called for Arsenal to bring in some experience in midfield and the center of defense. I think Arshavin is a smashing player, who will act as a creative influence till Cesc returns. However, Wenger has never adequately replaced Campbell or Flamini. When you’ve been as reluctant to spend big on players as Arsenal has, you need to address your most pressing concerns first.
As awesome as he is, why is this the only thing that’s been on the radar for the Gunners (someone correct me if I’m wrong). I agree with inkedAG about Gallas and maybe Bendnter. Really, Wenger should have looked to get us some experience in the CB and holding mid positions. I think many have expressed opinions that concur.
From what I have read, Arshavin seems like a good player with potential. I would’ve liked a couple of more signings or goings (like Gallas or Bendnter going), but one’ll have to do.
I hope Arshavin works out well for Arsenal. However, this player is being brought over to essentially save their season and that is a lot of pressure to put on a player who is about to move to a foreign league. If this guy doesn’t produce in a big way I am afraid he will be considered a flop. If they finish out of the top four he may well receive a disproportionate share of the blame.
arshavin is the man! but i hate arsenal he shoulda went somewhere else!
Wow, this whole on and off deal is worse than me and my last gf. *insert random pop culture reference here family guy style*
It’s nice to have Arshavin, but I don’t understand why they didn’t move Nasri into the middle to help replace Fabregas. From his time from Marseille and with the France National team, I believe they play(ed) him more centrally and he seemed adept at creating for others. He and Arshavin as a withdrawn striker would be a great combo
Furball, “This season [Cesc] seems to disappear for long stretches”
He’s out for a few months with injury.
I am so sick of hearing about this, thank GOD its over.
For all the talk of Arsenal needing a better defender, Goalkeeper and a holding Midfielder, it hasn’t been the defense that has been disappointing this season. The Midfield, outside of Nasri and Denilson have been well before par. Cesc scored 10 odd goals last season. This season he seems to disappear for long stretches. I think AA will be big upgrade in the midfield instead of players like Eboue and Diaby. I think they should also give Aaron Ramsey some time.
Finally. These negotiation deals are becoming even a worse process then those of the NBA!
and 2 red cards lol
WOW near brawl
THey really should have cancelled this Brasil Argentina match-the conditions are unplayable.
I require more mexico v. U.S. news!!! A topic or article a day until 2 days after the game!!!
for instance, speculate on who bob will call up for the final roster for the game day!!! or when he will announce it. and when does the camp end?
No offense, but I’ll believe it when they announce it on Arsenal.com. Too many false alarms and smokescreens in this saga to take anything other than an official announcement at face value.
That being said, Arshavin’s an excellent player, and can only improve the Gunners. Not necessarily my first choice as a transfer target this window, but there’s no one who can dispute that Arsenal desperately need a creative infusion following the last few uninspired performances.
Richie B, Did it really make a difference whether it was Juan or Jose. The fact that he’s gone make it’s a better gunner world. No disrespect to you….
Off topic, but is anyone watching this U-20 Brazil-Argentina game?
They’re playing in a swamp. Passes to guys 9 feet away barely make it 5 feet. It’s ugly, but as Mr. Hudson put it “It’s a comedey of errors”, but it’s still an interesting watch.
I still think that he is somewhat of an unproven commodity. He did do well in Euro 2008 but being at the same club for so long, I wonder how much time he’s going to need to make the transition to a new country, new league and new team, and all of this in the middle of a season. I think if I were Arsenal, for the money, I would have gone for someone with more varied resume.
Sorry to be a somewhat negative Arsenal fan, but why didn’t this happen at the outset of January? Or better yet, last summer? Of course injuries and suspensions will happen any year, so why not prepare for it ahead of time? As it stands, the Champions League is getting further and further away. Hopefully with Walcott and others coming back soon, the Gunners will have a nice late season run and make the top 4 again.
Arshavin is a fantastic player. 1 of the best in the world. Gunners have a chance to grab no.4 but Aston Villa won’t be letting up easily. Let’s go Friedel, Barry, Larsen, Young, Agbonlahor, Davies. Lead AV to Champion’s League Football.
Even if he ends up being overrated, this is huge for Arsenal. Should be a big help
I like him, but wish we got a holding mid and a denter defender as well…
DG, it was Jose Antonio Reyes.
Like you said Ives, FINALLY! I just hope he doesn’t turn into a Juan Antonio Reyes and is at least half of what Cesc is. Gunners will qualify for the Champions League now. They would’ve done it without AA.
Ives,
The link in this story isn’t working.
I was wondering about this, I read this morning a deal was agreed and he was taking a medical. Then that article apparently vanished and everyone said the deal had collapsed. I’m glad I wasn’t hallucinating.