Setanta Sports is reporting that Arsene Wenger has cast serious doubts over whether Arsenal will in fact compete for Zenit St Petersburg’s Andrei Arshavin this summer.
Andrei Arshavin - Arsenal manager casts doubts on his stamina
The Russian play-maker played extremely well in the Euro 2008 matches against Sweden and Holland, there’s no doubt about that. Those games were played on 18th and 21st June respectively.
But then in his third game against Spain in the semi-final on 26th June, he looked tired and was never in the game as Spain easily defeated Russia, for the second time in the tournament.
That was 3 games Arshavin played in a short 9 days. He had missed Russia’s first two games because of suspension, so he was fresh when he did play his first game against Sweden.
But Arsene Wenger has questioned his performance against Spain, in which the Russian was invisible, and questions whether Arshavin would be up to playing two games a week in Spain or England.
Barcelona, which his preferred destination, are said to be leading the race for Andrei, but it looks like Arsenal have significantly cooled their interest in the player.
The Arsenal manager was at a media conference organized by Euro 2008 tournament sponsors Castrol, and Wenger was asked how he would assess Arshavin:
“That Arshavin is a top-level talent is beyond doubt,”
“The only issue is related to the fact that the leading leagues in the world mean you must be at the highest level of physical readiness throughout the season.”
“Can he show his full potential every three days that happens every season the same in England and Spain?”
“In the semi-final meeting with the Spaniards, in which Arshavin looked to be exhausted, has forced me to ask this question.”
Wenger in one of the best in the world (if not the best) at recognizing and developing football talent, so we’re sure some clubs will take notice of what Arsene says.
Maybe if Arshavin had played in the first two games, he wouldn’t have looked so good in the quarter finals and Russia may not have fared so well.
We’ll have to see if Barcelona still maintain their interest in the player, although we understand they have only bid £10M for the Russian, and his club rate him at £20M.
But the hype of the Euro 2008 Championships will begin to tail off, and maybe his price will come down, along with the hype.
Newcastle United, of course, were interested in the Russian way before the Euro 2008 tournament, but the player is now out of reach of the club …. perhaps.
Comments welcome.
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92 responses so far ↓
1 Tom_Toon // Jun 30, 2008 at 20:58
Whoever pays close to £20mil for Arshavin needs their head checking and subsequently embalming.
2 ToonKing // Jun 30, 2008 at 20:59
Whinger is just cheap, he doesn’t want to pay the money asked for him. not that i want Arshavin to play for Arsenal.
3 euanpolo // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:03
Hopefully Zenit will realise that no one is going to pay £20m for Arshavin. He isn’t worth any more than £15m.
4 Sue // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:11
ToonKing get a life if Arsene doesn’t reckon Arshavin can cut it in the Prem then that’s OK by me.
5 Petworth (DC) Mag // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:12
Alright fellow optimists? Been away for a few weeks and was really hoping to come back to the news of a couple of signings but it seems we’re exactly where we were when I left
Anyone got any news on Azza? (Aaron Spears) or Turan?
I see Bolton paid 10M for Elamader (sp?), any other signings worth mentioning?
6 normski1930z // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:15
if am honest arshavin isnt worth more than about 12mil bcos when things arnt going well in games frustation seems to set in and he just trys to do everything himself just look at the spain game marcos senna put him in his pocket…..
7 Swepalle // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:26
what are Jimenez doing in DUBIA any one …..? New Owners ?
8 Hadrian // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:28
Beachfront appartments .
9 catawbamag // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:28
I thought toooooon fan said he saw Arshavin and Keegan having Peking Duck at a chinese restaurant in Newcastle.
Wenger is spouting sour grapes for obviously being snubbed by the Russian.
10 kelvin // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:32
speaking of senna, i’ve been really impressed with him through the whole tournament, people probably tend to overlook him as he is playing DM but he performed so consistently for every game. i don’t think we have a chance to get arshavin anymore but he’s certainly not worth 20 million. i’m not surprised barcelona have only put in 10 million, the player wants to come so they can afford to be a bit cheap.
11 shearer 4 pm // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:32
this is exactually where im coming from
the lad has two gud games and hes suddenly in the team of the tournament ahead of villa and podolski,
he was suspended for the 1st 2 matches and played crap againest spain, the lad is worth 10mil tops, did have a gud domestic season, but how gud is the russian league……..exactly nearly as bad as man city 19m for jo
top chelsea story: deco for 8mil
top nufc story: barton for jail
gotta love the tooooooooon
12 ToonKing // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:35
yeah Sue cause Wenger has seen so many russian players at Arsenal, or in the Premiership for that matter. He never pays big money we all know that. Arshavin would fit like a glove for Arsenal.
13 joeys bumboy // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:42
PERHAPS, stonewall no chance,Arshavin ambitious not stupid,stick to mediocrity .Arsenes not going to sign him because hes not good enough for Arsenal , but hes still to good for you lot.
14 steve // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:44
I’m inclined to agree with Wenger - he def won’t manage high octane premiership football twice a week, he looked absolutely f*d against Spain.
I’d take a punt at 10 million but nowt more, he is 27 after all, hardly a young lad, couple of years and his pace will be gone along with his value.
15 mo // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:45
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtv5AiOlDtI
Danniel De Ridder has just been released by brum so he’s a free agent. Could be worth a shot to provide competition for the wings. He’s relatively young (24) and probaly wouldn’t want much in wages plus he’s free. Alex McLeish said “I said to Danny a while back that I felt if we were more of a passing team, I may think about him more” and after releasing him he said “He is a good talent in terms of his ability but we are looking for something else, a different type of player.” Just not suited for long ball.
16 mikeygd // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:46
he’s just trying to verbally get the clubs valuation of the player lowered and rightly so because he isn’t worth 20million.
17 Seymour Butts // Jun 30, 2008 at 21:55
well this is kind of irrelevant as barcelona are already speaking to him.
18 ObaFan2 // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:01
Ashavin in his last game was as bad as Ballack was in his last 2 games for Germany…… so Whiner should say the same about Ballack but we know he(Ballack) is good in the EPL…. we’ve seen it!
Anyway… waste of time he’s not gonna be at SJP next season.
19 TalkingHead // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:05
I read in the Telegraph that he has a release clause of £10m in his contract with Zenit.
20 KOKO // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:10
I’m a GOONER and cannot believe that Wenger has come out with such cr*p. OK so he’s unfit, for £50k+ per week make the bastard run a bit more. Such a simple remedy!!!!
21 GSfan // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:12
I got news on Arda!..
He’s on ‘Deal!’ right now live on tv, and gonna donate the prize to charity! He’s damn lucky! He got 3 red boxes including one with the grand prize and 1 blue box left right now lol.
22 tam toon // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:12
Arshavin is class but if Arsene says no I would listen. They don’t have many better football judges out there than him.
23 geordie genius // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:14
GSFAN WOR LASS HAS A CONSTANT RED BOX! now clear off everyone I have a hand to satisfy.
24 Hadrian // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:15
chroist the barton footage on the ten oclock news is new to me
, looks alot worse than the video the sun had up .
25 geordie genius // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:16
TAM TOON ARE YOU ANY RELATION TO TIM TOON OR TOM TOON OR TOM TOMB?
26 Hadrian // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:18
COR BLIMEY , NASTY AS HELL :O
bye bye barton , defo gone after that new footage is out . floored this guy with one punch , went flying into a phone box and he dived ontop of him and started laying into him .
bad footage for bartons camp to let get out .
27 tam toon // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:20
Ha ha gg-NO! Just seen that Hadrian sickening chuck the chav scum bag out. Sue the fat git Sam for signing him.
28 Geordie Nick // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:30
mo- yeah tht wud be a good way to move the team forward, sign players tht are deemed not good enough for a championship side, and been released on a free, also 24 so not gonna improve much. definitely not worth a shot
29 Hadrian // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:37
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMorhNRmiDM
barton
30 Geno Toon // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:37
20 mil is way to much for him, just like 18 mil is a joke for G.Berry. If we sell Oba to Arsenal I think I may cry.
I dont want anymore players to go but our side being without Smith or Barton is called for. Maybe we can talk Barton into kicking Smiths ass. two birds with one stone.
31 Sav // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:44
Congrats on the site rating, Ed. Well deserved, imo.
But how come we’re letting Chelsea and Everton fight over Steve Round. If he’s so highly thought-of, how come KK did not get him signed-up? Does Kev want rid so he can bring in Clarke or Faz? Or has our beloved Toon just cocked-up again?
What is going on, Ed?
Go on, earn those Michelin stars!
32 Gooderz // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:53
de Ridder was released because he does not fit Birmingham’s style of play and he probably doesn’t want to play in the Championship hence why his release was with mutual consent.
Meanwhile we lack players as it is and de Ridder would add numbers and he does have a bit of skill but needs some help to get his career back on track and Keegan is the man to do just that.
He’s quite tall, with a good amount of pace and skill and can play in a variety of positions if necessary. de Ridder is definitely worth the risk as our style of play would be better suited to the Dutchman’s game whilst not using up large amounts of the wage bill or transfer funds.
33 Tom_Toon // Jun 30, 2008 at 22:57
Yep really rate de Ridder, if anyone goes on 606, i made an article on his about 2 days ago.
34 Ross G // Jun 30, 2008 at 23:17
He is trying to put off opposition for his signature, make him look bad then have a better chance of getting him
35 toonoot // Jun 30, 2008 at 23:31
@Tom Toon. I think you said that Spain wouldn’t get past the group stage.
36 toonoot // Jun 30, 2008 at 23:33
@Tom Toon. I think you said that Spain wouldn’t get past the group stage.
37 Tom_Toon // Jun 30, 2008 at 23:40
Probably
38 liamtoonbirchy // Jun 30, 2008 at 23:40
de ridder would be imense on a free
39 ToonKing // Jun 30, 2008 at 23:42
wow, where did that video of Barton come from ?? that is the real deal compared to the Sun’s pre-fight video. Joey gave the guy a real beat down.
i still like him but i’m sad to say that we must let him go after seeing that.
40 toonoot // Jun 30, 2008 at 23:47
@thomas monkchester: You is still de man
41 Leo // Jul 1, 2008 at 0:03
meh- ngsswb?….
not going to sign so why bother?
42 ToonPhill // Jul 1, 2008 at 0:07
transfer window is open boys.
no more excuses
43 toonoot // Jul 1, 2008 at 0:13
As JB would say “A nip and a punch for the first of the month”
44 Marc Hottiger // Jul 1, 2008 at 0:17
Sebastien Larsson, we have been quoted £4.5m according to Fans FC, while I appreciate it is an unreliable source needless to say I would sign him for that price.
45 geordieglen // Jul 1, 2008 at 0:19
aye toonphil, 1st july, transfer window open,
Mr Ashley i’ve supported u till now - time to do some business and get the toon buzzin again, no more negetive shite onwards and upwards.
ps good feckin riddance joey barton - had plenty of chances now just feck off
46 SwedeEric // Jul 1, 2008 at 0:20
Of course wenger is negative now when he has heard about KK and Arshavin eating a buffe in China Town where they can se his next football home from the reastaurant…
No… But can understand wenger says something like this, it´s talk about Arshavin non stop everywere, like he is Jesus coming down from nowere and has transformed football forever… Wenger just being realistic, he did look good, in 2 of 3 games… that´s it, he is not the next big thing that media seems to want him to be..
47 Jim // Jul 1, 2008 at 0:44
I never thought of Wengers reasonimg before I read it but you have to say that he has a good point. That’s why he’s doing that job and I’m here typing about it.
As far as Barton’s concerned, that’s just another street brawl. I’d read and shared gossip on here that he’d beaten the lad half to death. That’s not what I saw from the clip above from Hadrian:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMorhNRmiDM
I got the impression that the other lad was a total gobs**te. The problem is seems that Joey can’t stop himself at all. The conviction together with the Dabo guilty plee will surely end his contract. It’s an easy sidestep to the wages of a bloke that let the club down when signed by Sam.
The other allegations of the lad include the initial public eye and cigar incident as well as the vandalism of a taxi radio, which was later pinned on his cousin, a few days after the McDonalds incident. Nae control, nae patience and nae use to us.
48 Jim // Jul 1, 2008 at 0:44
P.S. What about the idea that Wengers trying to lower Arshavins price so the toon can buy him and let Martins go to Arsenal?
It’s all a conspiracy maaaan.
One final thought, I wonder how his contract negotiations went on joining the Toon after he stated he would plead guilty to the Dabo harm case. If he told them he was innocent and pleading as such, surely now he’s broken his contract and Ashley holds all the cards. Sack, no money and keep his registration. That registration may not be worth much if he has to serve upwards of 2 years.
49 Dev // Jul 1, 2008 at 2:08
When de Ridder was over here he was class and I was suprised Brum even got him. Not sure where the lad is at now in terms of fitness and form and he hasn’t shown much in the Prem…but on a free would be definately worth go just to add the number up…would be a massive step up from James Troisi anyway.
50 Dev // Jul 1, 2008 at 2:18
Marc Hottiger : I agree mate, the club should bite Steve Bruce’s arm off for Larsson at 4.5m.
The lad fits right in to the new blue-print of top young players. Mind if it’s true that Keegan is not willing to pay 6m for Eren Derdiyok then we might need to lower our expectations even further.
6m for Derdiyok and 4.5 for Larsson is great business.
51 catawbamag // Jul 1, 2008 at 2:22
Reviewing the fight tape, its clear that Barton has a big right hand, but thats about it. When throwing combinations he throws them to wide, leaving himself vulnerable to straight punches down the pipe.
The stategy against Barton would be to circle to your right nulifying the power in his right hand. Use the left jab to establish distance, and tag him with straight rights.
Barton is a one dimensional fighter. A one armed bandit with limited skills. A step up in class and he’ll be exposed as nothing more than a club fighter.
52 geoffreid // Jul 1, 2008 at 2:39
Weegner playing cheap again will not spend end of story and the arsenal –Hello the blues what a difference in attitude - been a gooner for 40 years but Iam gradually watching more blues-now if they get Ronaldino etc. I know who I will be watching-it wont be Sendros.
53 Geno toon // Jul 1, 2008 at 6:02
@catawbamag…..I fully agree. Great observation of bartons fighting methods. Too bad he chose that career to a professional footballer.
54 Zarate4Toon // Jul 1, 2008 at 6:37
we can’t and won’t get him … so why bother? 10m is absolute max for a 27 yr old who has never played in top league. we should instead focus on Zarate, Derdiyok, Lennon, or maybe Aimar. can’t afford more procrastination really.
55 ToonKing // Jul 1, 2008 at 7:50
transfer window is officially open !! some news today maybe !!
56 ToonKing // Jul 1, 2008 at 7:50
also Chelsea have signed Deco…..
57 toooooon fan // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:05
you will hear news on swp soon enough i am sure, however i dout arshavin wil come anyway as apparantly he went to see quite a few clubs who were interestsed in him no sightings to report last night
58 The Entertainers // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:07
Seen as the transfer window has officailly opened. I thought i would have a little fun.
These are MY opinions on Newcastle Uniteds recent transfer rumours.
I must stress these are my views and my views alone. I have not heard Keegan or Wise having conversations on a train journey or at resturant!
“WHATS THAT KEV? YOU FANCY THE PASTA!”
NEVER GONNA HAPPEN:
AIMAR: Never wanted, agent talk
CUELLAR: Looked at, thought better of
EMANA: Only an enquiry
LENNON: Too dear
VDV: Your having a laugh
ASHARVIN: If only…..
JUST DONT KNOW SIGNINGS:
GOMIS: Only if his club get real
EVANS: Depends on who Fergie buys
SHOREY: Depends if he’ll come North
WE WILL SIGN:
ARDA: Milan & Juve dont want him
SWP: Kev just loves the boy
DERDIYOK: Impressive
LARSSON: Too good for Brum
Once again these are my thoughts to be shot down and i must add that my history of predictions are pretty impressive
ie tipped the Swiss to get to the semis! Know what i’m talking about.
Must get off this blog now as my mate Kev wants to go Dutch with the bill!
59 ToonKing // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:17
may you be right about those transfers mate…..
60 Hobs // Jul 1, 2008 at 8:31
Lyon’s captain Juninho is availible! 33 years old, but he’ll manage a season or two in England.
Great passer, free kicks are the best in the world, and he’ll not be expensive!
Go get him!
61 HeronMag // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:07
Petworth (DC) Mag - We’ve signed Spears
Our only signing so far!
62 Wezside // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:09
Its currently around 9 am GMT and i want my 8 signings from a special NUFC press conference please…
63 geoffo // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:10
Just heard the news , fantastic!!! Well done King Kev and those that doubted Ashley and co shame on you!!!
64 The Entertainers // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:20
I see all the papers and tv are full of bad press for Newcastle today, due to the Barton case.
What better way to put us in some good light than sign a player or two.
Come on Mike, cheer us up
65 tapir // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:47
geoffo,what news?
Sodomy trial again?
66 BIG EAZY // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:57
geoffo- What news? Out with it man!!!
67 Ed Harrison // Jul 1, 2008 at 9:59
geoffo - if it’s what we heard it’s more than fantastic.
68 tommy // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:01
What news?
69 BIG EAZY // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:03
For god’s sake! What bloody news!?!?!
70 James // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:07
WHAT NEWS?
if ed thinks sumthins happened i mite actually believe it! come on spill!
71 HeronMag // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:07
WHAT NEWS?!?!?
72 ronaldeano // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:08
Howay Man, what news???
73 BelgianSupporter // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:10
From Belgium, please WHAT NEWS ?
74 ronaldeano // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:11
Ed, what is more than fantastic?
75 toptoon // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:12
from Dubai, what news?? if it was news, surely you would be reporting it in an article on this website Ed?? think someone is winding us up
76 BIG EAZY // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:15
Ed- I’m begging you man, please give us the low down on this news…
77 tommy // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:16
ArgHH!!!!! Why are people so annoying!!?? just say what it is!
78 Chennai Toon // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:20
please tell the news guys………….
79 BIG EAZY // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:24
Come on Ed, you can’t just leave us in suspense mate. We need to hear this bloody news man! Out with it already!
80 tommy // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:26
Thats it i’m leaving forever, it’s soo boring here now.
81 HeronMag // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:40
This has got to be a wind up
82 Obafan // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:46
The news is that Arshavin will sign a 4 year contract today.
Come on Geordies!!!
83 toptoon // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:57
definately a wind up!! haway man
84 amble_ball // Jul 1, 2008 at 10:59
is it that barton’s sacked?
85 Dave // Jul 1, 2008 at 11:06
Shame on you Ed!
86 HeronMag // Jul 1, 2008 at 11:18
Ed - That was sly man!
87 Winnaldo // Jul 1, 2008 at 12:43
This is making me feel sick. Please correspond
88 Angryman the Angry Fan // Jul 1, 2008 at 13:57
B*Stards!!!!!
89 Ed Harrison // Jul 1, 2008 at 14:14
Easy as this to copy someones name.
Obviously there is no good news right?
90 newcastle mad chris // Jul 1, 2008 at 15:41
arshavin i a very good player but he is not worth 20 mill.
91 Dan // Jul 1, 2008 at 16:28
a bet it wasn’t ed
92 gorskino10 // Jul 1, 2008 at 18:49
swp would be great but way over 10mill which is quite steep seb larsson would be good for 3/4 and daniel would be sweet for free but out of out list I feel aimar is getable as he’s around 3mill and he’s only been linked to panithinikos which the premier league could intise him, and please get guiza he’s only 10mill valuation and get dirdiyok so we can have martins-guiza-dirdiyok with owen just behind.
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