Arshavin: Set for Zenit exit

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Zenit St Petersburg have reduced their asking price for playmaker Andrei Arshavin.

Arshavin's future has been the subject of speculation since he starred for Russia in their run to the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

The Uefa Cup champions have stood firm on their valuation of the 27-year-old, demanding a fee of around £24million.

However, sporting director Konstantin Sarsaniya has now revealed that Zenit are willing to come to a compromise.

"There are only small differences left," Zenit sporting director Konstantin Sarsaniya told Russian newspaper Sovetsky Sport.

"Zenit have decided to reduce the asking price for Andrei, but exactly how much I cannot say because the negotiations were led by Zenit president Alexander Dyukov."

Tottenham have been leading the chase for Arshavin in recent weeks with Juande Ramos looking to rebuild his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Dimitar Berbatov has been linked with a move from Spurs to Manchester United and if he does depart, Ramos may be tempted to step up his interest in Arshavin.

However, other clubs will also have been alerted to the latest development and could decide to re-enter the race.

Arshavin said earlier in the summer that it would be his 'dream' to join Barcelona, but the Spanish giants were put off by Zenit's initial valuation.