Arshavin chase set to hot up

Russian's future could depend on other transfers

Last updated: 6th July 2008

Arshavin chase set to hot up

Arshavin: In demand

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Andrei Arshavin's agent does not expect his future to become clearer until later in the summer as interested clubs are only just 'warming up their engines'.

Arshavin has been linked with several sides from across the continent after emerging as one of the stars of Euro 2008.

The Russian playmaker is looking to leave Zenit St Petersburg and his club manager Dick Advocaat revealed on Saturday he had been granted time off to resolve his future.

However, agent Dennis Lachter claims Arshavin's eventual destination may depend on the outcome of some of the summer's other transfer sagas.

Barcelona are understood to be keen on Arshavin and he has described the prospect of moving to Camp Nou as 'a dream'.

But Barca have also been linked with Alexander Hleb and Emmanuel Adebayor, and if they manage to secure one of the two Arsenal players they may no longer want Arshavin.

Arsenal could therefore emerge as favourites to sign Arshavin, and reports in Russia have suggested the player will travel to London this week to speak with both the Gunners and Premier League rivals Chelsea.

No hurry

Lachter believes there are other factors that could also play a part, and has insisted that Arshavin is in no hurry to find a new club.

"The push for Andrei Arshavin has only just got going," Lachter told Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo.

"The summer transfer window doesn't close until August 31 and the clubs who are following him are only just warming up their engines."

Lachter added: "Arshavin's future depends on what happens with Hleb and Adebayor, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo."

The inclusion of Ronaldo in the equation only adds to the confusion, with Real Madrid courting the Manchester United winger.

Barcelona economic vice-president Ferran Soriano has promised supporters 'next week there will be news on Arshavin, Hleb, and Adebayor'.