Arsene Wenger Explains Andrey Arshavin Loan Decision

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been discussing Andrey Arshavin’s loan move to Zenit St Petersburg today, after he told Arsenal.com the reasons behind his decision to let the Russian leave.

Arshavin had struggled to force his way into the Arsenal starting eleven this season and recently found himself behind the likes of Gervinho and Oxlade-Chamberlain in the pecking order.

It was this lack of first team action that lead to Wenger letting the 30-year-old leave on a short term loan deal, with the Frenchman hoping Arshavin’s time in Russia will help him regain some confidence.

“First of all, things have not ended because he is still our player, he is only out on loan,” the manager said.

“I just felt he needed to play. When you are 30 and you do not play regularly, you drop your form and when you come on every time you have to produce something special.

“At that age it is very difficult. I felt he just needed a bit of confidence to play again.”

Wenger made it clear that Arshavin’s move is a temporary one, hinting that he may still have a future at the Emirates. I was always a fan of the Russians but it was clear his confidence had been shattered beyond repair in England and a move back to his home town club is just what he needed.

A future at Arsenal? I’m not so sure. It’s likely he’ll make his move to Zenit permanent in the summer.