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Andrei Arshavin opts to fight for his Arsenal future as hopes of a return to Zenit St Petersburg fade

Andrei Arshavin appears set to remain at Arsenal after Dynamo Moscow yesterday pulled out of a deal to sign the Russian international, even though he is available on a free transfer.

Andrei Arshavin - Andrei Arshavin opts to fight for his Arsenal future as hopes of a return to Zenit St Petersburg fade
Going nowhere: Andrei Arshavin looks set to stay and fight for a place at Arsenal Credit: Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Arsenal had originally hoped to secure a fee for the 31 year-old midfielder who cost £15 million when he signed from Zenit St Petersburg in a protracted deal in January 2009, but decided to cut their losses in the hope of moving him on before the Russian transfer window closed on Thursday.

Arshavin wants to see out the final year of his contract and will now stay at Arsenal until at least January.

Initially interest from his former club, Zenit, evaporated after they spent an incredible £64 million on acquiring the Brazilian forward Hulk and Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel, both from Portuguese football, while CSKA Moscow made an inquiry but did not follow that up.

Dynamo showed the strongest interest but also decided against making a bid before the closure of the deadline.