Wenger praise for Arshavin

Arsenal boss talks up Euro 2008's 'revelation'

Last updated: 24th June 2008

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Arsene Wenger has conceded his admiration for Andrei Ashavin following the Russian's magnificent Euro 2008 performances.

Arshavin started the competition a frustrated onlooker as he was suspended for Russia's first two matches but against Sweden in their final group game, and then in the quarter-final against Holland, the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker stole the headlines.

Russia's performances have won widespread acclaim and at the hub of much of their best work has been Ashavin; a turn of events that has not gone unnoticed in North London.

Spain preference

Arshavin, who has made clear his intention to leave Zenit after Euro 2008, has claimed offers are on the table from England and Germany but it is Spain that is his preferred destination.

Whether Arsenal are one of the club's interested in the Uefa Cup winner remains subject to conjecture but what is sure is that Wenger has been left impressed by the 27-year-old.

"Arshavin? I won't invent anything if I say he has been the revelation of the tournament," Wenger told L'Equipe.

"His way to make a difference against adversary is absolutely amazing. That is the mark of great players. A rumoured contact with Arsenal? As usual (there's speculation), but I've never met him."