THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING
Add comment May 12th, 2009
After the immediate success of Andrey Arshavin’s move to the Emirates Stadium, it was inevitable that the media would be swamped with the stories of other Russians keen to bathe in English football’s milder climes.
With our own Soviet Superstar struggling to come to terms with his left-sided role, it’s no surprise that he’s been asked by the Russian media about the possibility of Arsenal making a swoop for Arshavin’s international colleague and CSKA winger Yuri Zhirkov:
“Yes, I know Yuri well. But the problem is would he like to move to Arsenal?â€
Zhirkov, nicknamed ‘The Russian Ronaldinho’, excelled in the European Championships as a left-back, but is more suited to an attacking role. He’d undoubtedly be a good addition , though I suspect defensive reinforcements will take precedence.
Pavel Pogrebnyak, meanwhile, played alongside Arshavin for Zenit St. Petersburg. He was close to joining Blackburn in January as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz, and is now being linked with a move to North London:
“It is the first time I’ve heard about Arsenal’s interest, but, of course, I’m pleased that the club is interested in me. I think that for any player to get the opportunity to work with Arsene Wenger would be a big step forward.â€
If the first he’s heard about Arsenal’s interest is a question being asked about Arsenal’s interest by a hack fabricating a story about Arsenal’s interest, then it’s probably fair to assume that Arsenal’s interest, like The Tooth Fairy, The American Dream, and Brad Pitt’s character in Fight Club, isn’t real.
Elsewhere, Kolo Toure has declared himself “in love†with Arsenal and eager to sign a new contract – something I’d fully support. Toure might’ve lost a yard of pace, but he’s still one of the few players you can rely on to give his absolute best.
Right, that’s all that’s going on, really. The club appears to have entered a brief mourning period after a traumatic week. Hopefully we’ll get over it/ourselves in time for Saturday’s renewal of hostilities at Old Trafford.