Arsene Wenger says a deal to sign Andrei Arshavin from Zenit is '90 per cent completed'.
But Gunners boss is wary that final 10 per cent is 'most difficult'
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed a deal to sign Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg is '90 per cent completed'.
Speaking after his side's 1-1 draw at Everton on Wednesday night, Wenger had suggested that the club were not close to landing the Russian.
However, the French coach has now confirmed the Gunners are nearing an agreement, but admits the final 10 per cent of talks can be the most difficult.
He said: "There is nothing new on Arshavin, I have been concentrating on the game and not taking calls.
"But the deal is maybe 90 per cent completed. However, the final 10 per cent of any deal can be the most difficult.
Very optimistic
"Maybe in the next two days. In this kind of job it can be difficult at this stage because people can change their minds completely."
Zenit general manager Maxim Mitrofanov told
Sky Sports News on Thursday afternoon that the Uefa Cup holders have yet to receive their preferred bid of £15million, in a one-off payment, from Arsenal.
It is understood the current deal on the table from Arsenal is worth £12million with an additional £3million in add-ons.
Arshavin's agent, Dennis Lachter, told
Sky Sports News chief news reporter Bryan Swanson he remains "very optimistic" a deal can be done before the transfer window closes at 5pm on Monday.
