• Premier League

Arshavin desperate for Arsenal stay

ESPN staff
August 10, 2011
Andrei Arshavin suffered a loss of form last season © PA Photos
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Andrei Arshavin has handed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger a much-needed boost by pledging his future to the club - despite rumoured interest from Real Madrid and Anzhi Makhachkala.

Arshavin found himself relegated to the bench towards the end of last season and, with just one year remaining on his contract, there have been suggestions that Wenger may look to cash in on the 30-year-old midfielder while he still can.

But given the uncertainty over the future of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, Arshavin could be in line to play a crucial role across the next campaign, as he is capable of deputising for either of the Gunners' wantaway stars.

And he has told Wenger that he is ready to step into the breach by dismissing talk of a move to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid. "They are things invented on the internet," he told the Evening Standard. "More than one time I have said that this season I will play in Arsenal colours. I would not play for Real Madrid for all the money in the world. For me, Real is a complete taboo because I'm an admirer of Barcelona."

The Russia captain has also attracted covetous glances from Anzhi Makhachkala, who have signed Yuri Zhirkov from Chelsea and are trying to capture Samuel Eto'o - but he will not entertain any thoughts of a move back to his homeland.

"I haven't received any proposals from Makhachkala," he told Sport Express. "I have not had any contact with the club or its representatives."

Although Arshavin has held discussions over a new deal with Arsenal, those talks appear to have stalled.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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