Arshavin Representative Issues Barça Plea

The 27-year-old was one of the emerging stars of the tournament with exceptional displays against Sweden and tournament favourites the Netherlands, this after missing the first two games due to a suspension.

In his last game of the tournament - last night's semi-final defeat to Spain - he was decidedly underwhelming; well marked by the likes of Marcos Senna and Carles Puyol, who could be a future team-mate, if he has his way.

Arshavin has attracted interest from all over Europe in a matter of weeks, but has made his intentions very clear: his favourite league is la Primera in Spain and the club of his dreams is Barcelona, who he has supported since he was a child.

While it is thought he would not reject a move elsewhere as he looks to further his career and leave hometown club Zenit St Petersburg (who pay him substantially).

It has been officially announced by Zenit themselves that they are resigned to the player leaving the club and that Barcelona, along with many other clubs, have made an initial enquiry. Dennis Lachter is now urging the Blaugrana to go one better and make an official offer for the forward.

"I'd like to send my regards to [Barcelona president Joan] Laporta, [technical secretary] Txiki [Begiristain] and [coach Josep] Pep (Guardiola) and they already know why," Lachter told Radio Marca.

"Laporta and Barça have not approached me. They now know who Arshavin's agent is and I'm ready to listen to offers, but at the moment there are none.

"What's for sure is that we can't talk about his price, but we hope that it'll be to the liking of the club and the player.

"When he was a kid he really liked Barça, it's true.

"He's a big fan of the team and if he signed for Barcelona it really would be a dream come true for him.

"Either way, whatever is certain is that he won't be wearing the Zenit shirt next season."


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