Arsenal Transfer News: Midfield Exit A Possibility As Talks Begin

Andrey Arshavin could be set to leave Arsenal this season, with Zenit st Petersburg revealing that the clubs have been in talks over a possible loan deal for the midfielder.

Arshavin has been particularly lacklustre for the Gunners this season, and after he was booed on the pitch by fans as he came on as a substitute for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain against Manchester United last month, he looked closer than ever to an exit from the Emirates.

Pundits claimed that the Arsenal midfielder didn't look like he wanted to even be on the pitch for the club, and though Arsene Wenger defended his selection decisions, Petersburg are hoping that the north London side will in fact consider letting go of one of their most expensive signings of all time, for the rest of the season at least.

"Arshavin would interest us in terms of having him on loan," Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"[Besides helping Zenit] Andrey would also be well prepared for the upcoming Euro 2012 finals. The question is what Arsenal really want, would they want a loan deal?

"We had [initial] talks with them. Let's see how they respond now."

He added: "The fact is Andrey still wants to play in England.

"But he really wants to do well at Euro. [Zenit] would be a good solution for him in this case."

Arsenal would be unlikely to let go of one of their most needed positions before the summer, but if Arshavin continues to get limited game time, the Russia international could be more willing to make a move away from England if the offer is right and he can be guaranteed a spot in the starting line up.