|
ANDREI Arshavin's agent has revealed that Arsenal would be an ideal destination for the Russian midfielder due to the influence of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. Dennis Lachter told Sky Sports News his client rates the Frenchman highly. 'The stable situation in the club and the influence of Arsene Wenger on Arsenal and on English football is huge. I think this is an advantage,' said Lachter. 'If Arsenal go for Arshavin it could be really good for both parties. Arsenal is a very young team and Arshavin is 27. 'There's something about combining young and older players, they propagate attacking football.' The Russia international was one of the stars of Euro08. His two goals helped Guus Hiddink's outsiders reach the semi-finals of the tournament where they fell to tournament winners Spain. Meanwhile, Arsenal are also trying to snatch Gareth Barry from under the noses of Liverpool, according to reports. The Aston Villa captain's proposed switch to Merseyside has stumbled these past two months while the clubs war over a transfer fee. Liverpool have had several bids knocked back and are reluctant to meet Villa's ?18 million ($48.6m) asking price. ENQUIRY However, Arsene Wenger is believed to have made an enquiry to the Midlands club in a last- ditch attempt to land Barry. The Gunners boss is a keen admirer of the England midfielder and revealed his interest in the player last week. Now, according to The Sun, he is lining up a player-plus-cash offer of his own to land the 27-year-old, with defender Justin Hoyte set to be used as bait. Wire Services
LIM SAY HENG talks to The New Paper football analyst TOHARI PAIJAN about whether Gareth Barry and Andrei Arshavin would do well if they moved to Arsenal. Would players such as Gareth Barry and Andrei Arshavin be a good fit for Arsenal? TOHARI: They already have more or less a fixed first XI, so it's a matter of adding more players who can fit this philosophy so that they have a squad big enough to last the whole season. Barry and Arshavin fit the type of players that matches Wenger's philosophy of attractive, attacking football. They also add experience to the team, which is made up of mostly young players. Where could they possibly play? Barry, who is left-legged, would fit in nicely on the left flank while Arshavin can play just behind the main striker, a role he did well in during Euro08. They would also be able to adapt easily to 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 or whatever formation Wenger chooses to play. Obafemi Martins and Niko Kranjcar are also linked with Arsenal. Which, player, among the four, would be the most important one for Arsenal now? Gareth Barry, definitely. He will be the last piece of the jigsaw. First of all, he is English and already plays in the Premiership, so he doesn't need to adapt to the fast pace of the league. Arshavin may be good, but like Samir Nasri, he would need a few seasons to adapt to the English league. Barry would also be a good replacement for Aleksandr Hleb, who is set to leave Arsenal.
| 
