Arsenal Ready To Hand Arshavin A Free Transfer

Arsenal are prepared to offload Andrei Arshavin on a free transfer as they look to get him off the books before the Russian transfer window closes on Thursday, according to the Telegraph.

The Gunners are desperate to get rid of the 31-year-old with Dynamo Moscow showing the strongest interest in player, but they have yet to make an official move.

Arshavin enjoyed a successful loan spell with former side Zenit St Petersburg during the second half of last season, but the Russian champions are not likely to sign him for a third time after the recent signings of  Hulk and Axel Witsel. Mega-rich Anzhi Makhachkala are also not interested in signing the former Russian captain.

The diminutive attacker’s form has dipped drastically in recent seasons and he is no longer in manager Arsene Wengers plans.

The Gunners had hoped to recoup a fee of around £5m this summer for a player they paid more than £13m for in 2009. However, the club are now prepared to let him go on a free transfer to get his wages off the books.

Arshavin is in the final year of his contract and Arsenal are not interested in extending his stay any further. A return to Russia looks likely and agents are trying to drum up interest in the player with CSKA Moscow also believed to be considering a move but Dynamo Moscow are considered favourites.

Read more Arsenal transfer news

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