Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic feels that Zenit St Petersburg star Andrei Arshavin would shine in the Premier League, after labeling him a “seriously good player”.

Although its unlikely the pair will go head to head on Friday in the Super Cup as Arshavin is likely to be withdrawn so ensure he does not get injured, Vidic is looking forward to renewing a rivalry he left behind after leaving Spartak Moscow in January 2006.
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Contradicting earlier reports that Arshavin deal was off as Spurs didnt meet an agreed deadline to place a bid, Zenit coach Dick Advocaat belives the player will still move to Spurs.

Arshavin caught the eye of several teams after his performance in Euro 2008, however a £20 million valuation and the player having high wage demands only Spurs and possibly Barcelona are still in the hunt for the players signature.

“Last year we sold Martin Skrtel to Liverpool for £10 million, and now probably Arshavin will go to Spurs.” said Advocaat.

Advocaat also added that Arshavin is likely to miss the Super Cup game against Manchester United on the 29th August to avoid him being injured.

However with time running out before the window closes on 1st September it remains to be seen if a deal can still be done.

Spurs move to sign Andrei Arshavin seem to have faltered as a pre-agreed deadline for the London club to make their move has passed.

A statement on the Zenit St Petersburg website reveals that Tottenham Hotspurs had until Monday August 18th to make an offer. Zenit’s valuation of the player may have been the stumbling block with a £21 million price tag not having been met.

The statement read: “According to agreements, the club from Great Britain had until August 18 to send their proposals. So far these proposals have not been received.

“Given the deadline has expired and the uncertainty of the situation does not allow the club to find a replacement for Andrei Arshavin, Zenit considers the possibility of transferring the player to Tottenham closed.”

The long running saga of the possible transfer of Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg may have gone one step closer on Friday, with news coming from the club that they may be willing to drop their valuation.

Zenit official Konstantin Sarsaniya announced in Russian newspaper Sovetsky Sport, “Now we are in negotiations with Tottenham and some clarity is likely to come on Friday evening.”

“There are only small differences left.

“Zenit have decided to reduce the asking price for Andrei, but exactly how much I cannot say because the negotiations were led by Zenit president Alexander Dyukov.”

The transfer still may have issues as its rumoured that Spurs will need to sell to be able to afford Arshavin, with Berbatov looking most likely to leave White Hart Lane to fund the transfer, however his move to Manchester United is currently by no means certain.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly pulled out of their quest to sign Andrei Arshavin. The London side were said to have been out priced by Zenit and are now turning their attention to other targets, namely Arshavin’s Russian team mate, Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Reports last week suggested Andrei had turned down a huge five year contract with Zenit, and has intentions to play in the Premiership.

Arsenal have emerged as favourites to land Andrei’s signature, as Chelsea have reportedly ended their interested in the Zenith man. Supposedly the Gunners have offered in the region of £20 Million, but the Russian club have rejected this and hope to get a larger sum.
Agents involved are hopeful a deal can be struck and this deal can go ahead, as Andrie fears his current club may be pricing him out of a deal he would enjoy.

Despite their London rivals, Spurs, reportedly making a bid for Andrei Arshavin, Arsenal are still looking strong favourites to sign the Russian. Arshavin’s agent had said the Gunners’ manager, Arsene Wenger, could be playing a big part in Andrei’s decision.