Toon Target Bypasses Tyneside ... For Spain!

Last Updated : 23-Jun-2008 by
Kevin Keegan told Mike Ashley to make a move last month, but that obviously didn't happen.

Now Arsene Wenger has given his biggest indication yet he was set to make a move for Arshavin.

The Arsenal manager watched him play for Russia on Saturday and he confirmed Arshavin was the player he went to check out.

Arshavin: "Perhaps the time has come to leave, yes.

"I know that I have offers from England and Germany, but what I really want is to play in the Primera Liga.

"It's the championship that I have always followed, I like how football is played there. But for now, I have no offers from Spain.

"There are many good players in my country, but people are now discovering us.

"It's not only me. This tournament is an opportunity for us."