• Football

Zenit unsure about permanent deal for Arshavin

ESPN staff
June 7, 2012
Andrei Arshavin had fallen out of favour at Arsenal before joining Zenit St Petersburg on loan © PA Photos
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Andrei Arshavin must prove his commitment to Zenit St Petersburg on the pitch if he wants his loan deal from Arsenal to become a permanent move, according to the Russian club.

Arshavin made the temporary switch to Zenit in February after falling out of favour at the Emirates and scored three goals in nine starts.

The 31-year-old is set to meet Arsene Wenger to discuss his future following Euro 2012, and Zenit have expressed their interest in making the move permanent - but not if the forward is set to warm the bench for Luciano Spalletti's side.

"Everything depends on Arshavin," Zenit chief executive Maxim Mitrofanov said. "If Andrey is ready to stay in the team and go on the field as a player, we are ready to discuss it.

"Arshavin is part of our club but, with all due respect to him, he will only stay in the event that he proves himself useful as an active player. Not as a man making up the numbers."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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