Wenger: Arshavin deal still on cards

ARSENE WENGER insists no deal has yet been agreed to bring Russian international Andrei Arshavin to Arsenal — but remains hopeful of a successful conclusion to the protracted saga before the transfer window closes.

Zenit St Petersburg have made it clear they are willing to sell the wantaway 27-year-old playmaker, at the right price. However, the Gunners remain resolute in their offer of £12m plus add-ons and, as yet, no further improved bid has been tabled amid reports of Arshavin being ready to slash his wage demands in order to push the move through.

Asked if Arsenal had agreed a fee with Zenit, Wenger declared: “No, and we have not applied for a work permit yet for Arshavin. Whether we are close or not has little meaning — it does not matter how close you are, what is important is that you agree. At the moment, we have no agreement with anybody for any transfer.”