Arshavin demanded 'too much'

Russian priced himself out of Arsenal move, according to agent

Last updated: 20th August 2008

Andrei Arshavin Russia Zenit St Petersburg

Arshavin: Big financial appetite

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Andrei Arshavin could have joined Arsenal if he had not demanded too much money, according to the player's agent.

Arsenal were linked with the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker at the start of the summer as the Russian impressed at Euro 2008.

North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have since been mooted as the Premier League team most likely to sign Arshavin.

Inter Milan and Barcelona have also shown interest in the schemer, but Arsenal had been a possible destination for the 27-year-old.

However, Arshavin's agent Dennis Lachter claims his client wanted too high a salary to agree to a move to Emirates Stadium.

Cunning fox

"Wenger was serious about buying Arshavin," said Lachter in the Daily Express.

"If Andrei could have tempered his financial appetite, it was quite possible he would be playing at the Emirates right now.

"Arsenal were prepared to pay about £15million for him.

"(Arsene) Wenger is indeed a cunning fox who always says one thing and does the other. He wanted Andrei, but Arsenal are the only top English club who do not pay large salaries."