Arshavin deal in the balance

Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin has travelled to London but a move to Arsenal from Zenit St Petersburg looked to be in the balance.

The 27-year-old, who caught the eye in last summer’s European Championship, was in place to undergo the formalities of the transfer if the two clubs made an agreement on the fee for the player.

After being pictured in Hertfordshire, sources close to the deal said that Arshavin had left for an airport, which appeared to put the transfer in jeapardy.

Arshavin’s move was one of the high-profile deals being negotiated on a transfer-deadline day that has been complicated by snowy conditions.

Tottenham were widely reported to be in talks with Liverpool over Robbie Keane’s return to White Hart Lane after an unhappy six months at Anfield.

Another big name that was lined up to move was Manchester City’s Jo, with Everton ready to take the Brazilian striker on loan to Goodison Park.

Newcastle midfielder Charles N’Zogbia was poised to join Wigan, while Portsmouth have been linked with Spurs youngster Giovani dos Santos after signing Theofanis Gekas on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.

“It has always been a big wish to play in the England,” said the Greece striker.

“I believe I can do it, it is one of the toughest leagues in the world but I’ve scored goals in Germany and hope to do so in England.”

In the Coca-Cola Championship, Norwich signed Rangers forward Alan Gow on loan until the end of the season.