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- Feb 11, 2007
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Arshavin completes Arsenal move
Arshavin starred for Russia with some fine displays during Euro 2008
Arsenal have finally completed the transfer of Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg for an undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old Russia international agreed a "long-term" deal with the Gunners on Monday.
Final confirmation of the move was held up while the Premier League assessed whether all the necessary paperwork had been completed before the deadline.
"I am so happy to be joining Arsenal," Arshavin said. "They are one of the leading football clubs in the world."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "He is a versatile player with great experience, who will add real quality to our squad.
"Andrei is an exciting impact player with a huge amount of ability and has been an influential force with both Zenit St Petersburg and the Russian national team in recent seasons."
The two clubs had earlier disagreed over the fee and over Arshavin's own personal terms.
But Arshavin travelled to London on Monday for a medical to complete the deal and, it is understood, will now return to Russia to complete some personal arrangements before starting work at his new club.
He could now make his debut in Sunday's north London derby at Tottenham but given that the Russian domestic season finished in November the player is more likely to be allowed some time to build up full match fitness.
He will be unable to figure in the Gunners' Champions League campaign as he has already featured for Zenit in the competition.
Arshavin shot to prominence at Euro 2008 where his performances for Russia earned him a place in the 'Team of the Tournament'.
He won the Russian Premier League with Zenit in 2007 and was also played a key part in the club's UEFA Cup winning campaign last season.
Arshavin starred for Russia with some fine displays during Euro 2008
Arsenal have finally completed the transfer of Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg for an undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old Russia international agreed a "long-term" deal with the Gunners on Monday.
Final confirmation of the move was held up while the Premier League assessed whether all the necessary paperwork had been completed before the deadline.
"I am so happy to be joining Arsenal," Arshavin said. "They are one of the leading football clubs in the world."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "He is a versatile player with great experience, who will add real quality to our squad.
"Andrei is an exciting impact player with a huge amount of ability and has been an influential force with both Zenit St Petersburg and the Russian national team in recent seasons."
The two clubs had earlier disagreed over the fee and over Arshavin's own personal terms.
But Arshavin travelled to London on Monday for a medical to complete the deal and, it is understood, will now return to Russia to complete some personal arrangements before starting work at his new club.
He could now make his debut in Sunday's north London derby at Tottenham but given that the Russian domestic season finished in November the player is more likely to be allowed some time to build up full match fitness.
He will be unable to figure in the Gunners' Champions League campaign as he has already featured for Zenit in the competition.
Arshavin shot to prominence at Euro 2008 where his performances for Russia earned him a place in the 'Team of the Tournament'.
He won the Russian Premier League with Zenit in 2007 and was also played a key part in the club's UEFA Cup winning campaign last season.
