ARSHAVIN URGES WENGER TO SPLASH THE CASH

Russian says Arsenal must sign expensive stars

NOT HAPPY - Andrey Arshavin

By Tom Lawrence, 21/11/2009

ANDREY ARSHAVIN has urged Arsene Wenger to spend big in January so Arsenal can keep their title charge on track.

Gunners boss Wenger has been rocked by an injury crisis in the past fortnight that has robbed him of Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner, Gael Clichy and Kieran Gibbs.

Russian playmaker Arshavin said: "Arsene needs to buy new players and expensive ones. All the talented and inexpensive players are already with us and the players who could really boost our power are all costly to bring in.

"I realise that if we buy a star, someone in the squad will be rejected but this is fair. It is the manager's job to decide such things."

Arshavin's comments fly in the face of Wenger's view that his young squad is good enough to win trophies this season.

His outspoken demand came during a TV interview in his home city of St Petersburg, where he also conceded his own performances have been below par this season - despite netting six goals in his last 12 outings.

"I can say that this season the only game I played really well was against Olympiacos," he added. "In the rest of the matches I was not so good. I was not dynamic enough in performances."

But he has better news for Arsenal fans, and a promise to improve as his family settle better into London life.

"For me it is still difficult to settle," he admitted. "But my children already go to nursery and it will get better and better.

"When your family is still next to you, it is good for you because you can see your children and wife every day but you have extra problems because you must help them.

"When they came my life became easier and it helped me improve."

Arshavin, 28, added: "I like the football in the Premier League, it is completely different to Russia.

"I like working here and don't have a problem as no one recognises me, which is good. I can relax."

Your comments

This article has 5 comments

it is unfortunate we lost, taking to consideration our last game was crutial. i agree with Arshvin Wenger must get some new pros

By karani.. Posted November 23 2009 at 3:51 PM.

He's spot on. Wenger has needed to splash the cash for the last four seasons, but of course Arshavin's calls will go unheeded by the arrogant French boss. The loss to Sunderland shows that Wenger is culpable for failing to adequately strengthen the squad by not replacing Adebayor. What happened to that 40mill? Don't waste your breath Arshavin, Wenger knows best...how to get us 4th place again.

By Simon.. Posted November 22 2009 at 9:00 PM.

Arshavin is still settling down in London and finding his feet......new club, home, kids schools etc. He will be fine, one of the stars of the premiership. What is Musonsa on about? He is obviously watching Eboue!!!

By danny.. Posted November 22 2009 at 1:47 AM.

I suggest you up your game, man or the supposed new recruits you're calling for, can take away your position.

Your fitness levels are a cause for concern and when I saw you playing for Russia, you were so, so lazy.

By Musonza.. Posted November 22 2009 at 12:44 AM.

its true what arshavin said must be taken into consideration we have the talent bt we dont have pple to change the game any game that needs physical arsenal cant win

By okethi richard.. Posted November 21 2009 at 11:43 PM.

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