Andrei Arshavin is finally set to join Arsenal after dramatic talks in the final hour before the transfer deadline – and he will wear the No 13 shirt for Arsene Wenger’s men.The 27-year-old had completed a medical earlier in the day and Arsenal had also been reassured that there would be no problem securing a work permit because Arshavin is a regular in the Russia side.Arsenal were earlier understood to have agreed to raise the fee they pay to Zenit only if the player lowers his wage demands.
The forward had reportedly hoped to sign a four-and-half year deal on a reported £110,000 per week, but that would smash Arsenal’s wages structure.
The north London club’s initial offer this morning was described as being only half of Arshavin’s current salary. However, sources in Russia told Sportsmail that Arshavin’s reported currently salary of upwards of £100,000 per week were exaggerated.