The agent of Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin has made clear that his client has no intention of leaving north London this summer and rubbished speculation that the Russian was looking to quit the Gunners.
Arshavin has been an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s squad this season featuring both on the left wing and as an auxiliary striker. Suffering under the stresses and strains of the Premier League’s physical challenge, the 28-year-old has seen his form dip in the second half of the season and could miss Arsenal’s remaining fixtures having sustained a calf strain against Barcelona.
Speaking exclusively to sport.co.uk about the man he helped move to Arsenal, agent Dennis Lachter made clear:
“This is the first time I am hearing about this speculation. We haven’t spoken about this at all, he is an Arsenal player. I firmly believe he will be at Arsenal next season.
Reflecting on Arshavin’s form and whether Arsenal fans were still to see the best from their diminutive trickster, Lachter continued:
“He could play better. I’m sure he feels the same way.
“The problem is the consistency of the games in the Premier League. It’s not easy in today’s football to be fully recovered after matches.
“The physical condition of the player is the main point; if you’re not 100 per cent in shape you will struggle to deliver on the pitch.
“Football is a contact sport and nobody can avoid injury. Let’s see how he plays when he is fully recovered. It’s his first season as a 100 per cent ‘whistle-to-whistle’ Arsenal player; last season he only played in the second half of the season and was a bit more fresh. He had a marvellous match against Liverpool [in the 4-4 draw at Anfield].
“This season is a totally different situation. There have been a lot of matches; two cups, the [Premier League] championship, the Champions League and his performances with the national team. It is too many matches and not a regular situation for a player from Eastern Europe.”