Arshavin admits Spurs defeat

Russian playmaker accepts he's staying at Zenit

Last updated: 29th August 2008

Arshavin admits Spurs defeat

Arshavin: Staying in Russia

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Zenit St Petersburg forward Andrei Arshavin has all-but conceded he will not be joining Tottenham.

The talented schemer has been a long-term target for Spurs boss Juande Ramos but the North London club have failed to concur on a fee with their Russian counterparts.

Zenit have been steadfast in their £24million asking price; a figure which the Tottenham board have baulked at in turning their attention elsewhere.

Arshavin, who was dropped by Zenit for the recent league game against Krylya Sovetov Samara, is currently in Monaco preparing for Friday night's Super Cup clash with Manchester United.

The player has made no secret of his desire to move to the Premier League but is now ready to accept he is unlikely to join Spurs, who are set to announce the signing of Arshavin's international team-mate Roman Pavlyuchenko within the next 48 hours.

"I have a feeling we can put this story to bed," he told Sport Express.

"I think with the purchase of Pavlyuchenko the idea of Arshavin (moving) to London no longer exists.

When quizzed on whether he saw his future at Zenit, he replied: "It looks that way."

Valencia interest

Arshavin's agent Dennis Lachter admits that Zenit's asking price for his client looks likely to prohibit his departure, with Valencia the only club who still hold a tangible interest.

"Villarreal have dropped out [of negotiations]," Lachter told Russian newspaper Sovetsky Sport. "That club are not going to buy Andrei.

"The only team who are interested in Arshavin at the moment is Valencia.

"However, the transfer will only go through if Real Madrid buy striker David Villa from Valencia."