After a superb start to his Arsenal career Andrei Arshavin has failed to uphold his form in recent seasons. Nonetheless with a successful loan spell to Zenit St Petersburg and with the European Championships still to come, could the Russian Captain finally be finding his form once again?
The 30 year olds failure at Arsenal could be attributed to a list of injuries and Russia’s failure to quality for the 2010 world cup which reportedly hit the International hard. The good news for Arsenal is that Arshavins best runs have always come after a competition with Russia, where he has been able to perform at a consistently high level even when struggling domestically.
Despite suggestions that the Winger may be leaving the Gunners this summer after the player announced that he would be making a decision on his future following Russia’s Euro 2012 campaign. I am of the belief that Arsenal would be foolish to let him go. Firstly at 30, Arshavin still has plenty left to give as a footballer.
On top of this, Arsenal have struggled to get any attacking midfielder to play consistently well. Rosicky, Walcott and Ramsey have all been hit and miss this season and so a potentially revitalised Arshavin would be a real blessing for Arsene Wenger. Perhaps the biggest reason to keep him is that he has experience of paying on the biggest stages and playing well on those stages. With a typical youthful side Wenger needs players with the experience of Arshavin.
As well as these on pitch reasons, selling Arshavin now would see very little return on the £15million which brought him to the Emirates. Although it is felt the Russian still has plenty to offer at Arsenal, with the incoming Podolski and the likelihood of more transfers this summer, Arshavin may have to leave to balance the books. A bargain to be had if someone will willing to take the risk.