Football fans of the late 2000's era, in particular Arsenal supporters, would be familiar with the name Andrey Arshavin. The Russian attacking midfielder was one of the most exciting players on the planet, and Arsenal paid a then club-record £15 million to snatch him from Zenit Saint Petersburg. It was a mixed time for Arshavin at the Emirates though, one that saw glimpses of his brilliance, and also a lack of hard work to fulfill his immense potential.
This article will be looking back at the earliest phase of his career at Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he quickly became one of the brightest prospects in Europe.
Made in Zenit
After spending over 11 years in Zenit Saint Petersburg's youth academy, Arshavin finally joined the Zenit first-team squad in 2000. His debut came in the UEFA Intertoto Cup against English side Bradford City, coming on as a first-half substitute for teammate Andrey Kobelev.
Arshavin quickly established himself as a talented youngster who possessed excellent versatility. The Russian began to play in multiple positions, starting as a right midfielder, then as an attacking midfielder, and finally adopting the second striker's role by playing on the flank or behind the target man.
He went on to play a key role for Zenit in the 2007 Russian Premier League season, as he guided them to a historic title win. Arshavin was nothing short of sensational that season, contributing to 22 goals ( 11 scored, 11 assisted) in just 30 appearances.
It was a moment of eternal happiness for Zenit, as the club won their first league title since winning the now-defunct Soviet Top League in 1984.
Arshavin's exploits extended to European nights as well, as continued his sensational form in the 2007–08 UEFA Cup. The Russian was eventually named the final's Man of the Match, as Zenit beat Scottish side Rangers to lift the European title. He also topped the list for most assists in the competition.
All these heroics also led to Arshavin earning 6th place in the 2008 Ballon d'Or rankings, which was ultimately won by a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Wanted by Europe's elite
Arshavin's magical form at the UEFA Cup and subsequent 2008 UEFA Euro got the attention of Europe's top clubs. Although Newcastle United boss Sam Allardyce was already interested in him prior to this, his eventual sacking led to the collapse of any potential move.
The likes of Barcelona and Tottenham were next in line, but both their bids were turned down by Zenit. They were adamant in their £22 million asking price for Arshavin, with the player and his agent Dennis Lachter being discontent with Zenit's refusal to cut down the price.
The dramatic move to Emirates
It was during the 2009 January transfer window that Arshavin was continuously pursued by Arsenal. The transfer, if anything, was nothing less than dramatic. On 2nd February, which was the transfer deadline day, Arshavin was staying in a Hertfordshire hotel, just a few miles from the Arsenal training ground. At around 10 am, he left the hotel and was rumoured to be heading back to Russia.
However, the Gunners finally managed to agree a deal with Zenit, with personal terms agreed and medical being done as well. A compensation payment by Arshavin himself to Zenit was supposedly holding up the deal, with a snowstorm in England further complicating the deal. Those circumstances forced the league to extend the deadline beyond 5 pm. Arshavin’s transfer to Arsenal was finally announced on 3rd February, 24 hours after the formal transfer deadline had passed.
Arsenal paid their biggest ever fee (£15 million) in history for Arshavin, as they finally snatched one of Europe’s most wanted players from Zenit.
