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OK, many thanks to Dom Raynor for a sterling day's service on the blogs. While he heads off to a darkened room with his head spinning with talk of medicals, personal terms and other transfer-related buzzwords, I'll do my best to round up the aftermath of what has been a busy day.
I've braved a journey across snowbound England while pandemonium has been taking place. Let's see what else happens; that mini-extension may see some rules being bent and some surprise deals may still happen.
Though I imagine you're all waiting on news of Arshavin and maybe Quaresma.
The Arshavin news is this: Reuters and AP both quote Zenit St Petersburg as saying that the deal is off. Over on Sky, balloon-headed correspondent Bryan Swanson says the deal is still on. The sticking point is said to be money owed by the player to his club.
Quaresma? Some reports suggest that the poor man's Ronaldo will be linking up with Phil Scolari, despite being largely overlooked by him at Euro 2008.
Can it be done yet? I'll provide a clockwatch for the next few hours until that window is definitely shut.
6.22: Conjecture aplenty on both. Keep the emails coming in.
6.24: Harry Redknapp in jubilant mood over resigning three players Spurs got rid of. "He'll bring so much to us, you know," he tells clinically elated Sky bod Jim White of Robbie Keane. Harry meanwhile drops a hint that Jermain Defoe could be out for some time too.
6.46: OK, it's not Arshavin or Quaresma but West Brom have a new signing in Juan Carlos Menseguez. We don't know much about him here but we know that he's been a star for San Lorenzo this season.
6.51: Sky now say that they've spoken to Arsene Wenger and that he said there'll be a positive outcome to the Arshavin saga. Don't go to bed just yet. It looks like it could be happening after all. Prepare to do a Cossack Dance, Gunners.
6.55 Chelsea confirm on their website that Quaresma is signed. Just Arshavin to go.....
7.07: Balloon-head Swanson is mobbed by Arsenal fans as he tells them that Arshavin will be at their club and will be wearing the number 13 shirt. One questions the mentality of fans who hang around to get on telly. That's what youtube is for, isn't it?
7.33: BBC Radio suggest Arshavin is an Arsenal player. Just waiting for the announcement...or are we...? (I hope we are.)
7.54: Sunderland confirm loan signing of Calum Davenport from West Ham. The Hammers exodus has not happened and Davenport was surplus to requirements. Sunderland seem to have rather a lot of defenders.
7.56: Miguel Veloso's agent says he turned down Bolton and Newcastle. After being linked with Chelsea and Manchester United in the past, who could say that he's not made the right decision.
7.59: The signs are Arshavin will sign tonight. Or has signed already. Russian radio and AFP say it's done. But we await confirmation. Get on with it!!!
8.24: Er, bad news for those of you who are staying up until the confirmation. Brian the Balloon has been on Sky and now says the Premier League will wait until tomorrow to look over the paperwork to make sure it's done. I suppose some of them may not be able to get home tonight what with the weather. My advice, possibly against the grain my bosses and our advertisers would prefer me to be on: get to bed. He'll be waiting for you in the morning.
9.24: The news that the Premier League bureaucrats have gone home just about puts the lid on it. More if anything else happens. Keep it Soccernet. The blog will be back tomorrow to round up the paper talk and see if that Russian chap is staying longer than looked likely at various points of the day.
9.55: I'm just reading your comments...er, he is coming you know. You'll just have to wait a bit longer.
To paraphrase David Steel: "Go home and prepare for Arshavin...."
Comments
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Posted by pete on 02/02/2009
Please god let arshavin sign soon.
Its just gone 4am in darwin, australia, where im following this as dedicated gooner. I checked to see what was happening around 2am and havent been able to drag myself away.
Come on arsenal i want to go to sleep!
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Posted by victor on 02/02/2009
hey pete...i know how u feel.ive been up for 2hrs as well and its 240am here. my god. tt dude has already passed a medical.what other problem is there. can wenger just break his piggy bank and pay?
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Posted by Marcus D on 02/02/2009
I can't believe that with the goal scoring issues that Liverpool has had that they would allow keane to go without getting a decent striker/winger back in return. With Torres' inability to stay healthy, this could really come back to bite them
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Posted by Gus on 02/02/2009
Thanks to Dominic Raynor for a stellar job today. He has certainly kept me entertained, not only with his transfer blog but his columns as well.
Cheers
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Posted by Vincent on 02/02/2009
Although I'm a loyal fan of Manchester United,
I would love to see Arshavin playing in EPL.
He's a good player.
Its 2.46am now in Malaysia and I'm still tracking the transfers and refreshing this blog from time to time.
Come on Arshavin !
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Posted by Sir Natty on 02/02/2009
Haha
Thank goodness
Now who says premiership is a 2-horse race?
you are right because when Torres does get injured in the next month or so, it will be last season all over again with Chelsea taking United to the wire....
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Posted by Magnus iceland on 02/02/2009
Thanks for all the updates today =)
And yeah lets hope Torres stays healthy.
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Posted by beaveraldinho on 02/02/2009
ok ive done an all nighter waiting for arsharvin to sign and nothing... looks like we will be fighting it out for 5th place until some of our players come back... but will there be time to make the top 4 by then?
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Posted by Isaac on 02/02/2009
I totally echo Pete's and victor's sentiments. I've been following this arshavin saga since god knows when and i really hope there could be a last twist in the tale, albeit a good one.
Arsenal really needs his creativity and penetrative ability, at least till the attacking midfielders return.
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Posted by dem on 02/02/2009
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Posted by Anonymous on 02/02/2009
i really dont know what the hurdle is...are arsenal haggling over a mil or something?? we could lose out on much much more if we dont make the champs league..go on wenger...get him
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Posted by rek on 02/02/2009
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Posted by RODNEY on 02/02/2009
For all of this aggrevation AA better be the second coming of Bergkamp or Henry
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Posted by GuySmylie on 02/02/2009
Quaresma is a great addition and should be of use, especially in FA cup play and weeks with midweek matches
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Posted by vaibhav on 02/02/2009
arshavin signing would go a long way in lifting the doom and gloom that arsenal are apparently shrouded in..something for the fans to cheer about..we no longer getting the 4-0, 5-0s..hell we finding it difficult even to win!!! sign him
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Posted by Kevin on 02/02/2009
It's about 2:20 PM over here in Canada. This has helped to make the work day go by quicker. Thanks a lot!
Glory Glory Man United!
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Posted by Mello on 02/02/2009
Spurs spending like a drunken sailor and Arsenal haggling over a few quid. Typical. Still think DM/CB should have been the priority this January but we need more depth/quality in the squad period. Fingers crossed Wenger gets this deal done, c'mon you reds!!!
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Posted by jern on 02/02/2009
omg...it's now 0318 and I'm not sure whether i can wake up to go to work tomorrow or not.why can't just arsenal close the deal on Arshavin?it's really frustrating for us arsenal fans which been hoping that the deal will go through just to know that it's on...off...on...off...on again then off again.Please Mr Wenger...just sign him for God sake!!!
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Posted by ope on 02/02/2009
i wonder whats really wrong with arsenal and thier policies. i bet u if they dont sign ahravim , a lot of fans like me will leave our loyalty to somewhere else
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Posted by Tim on 02/02/2009
plz,arshavin please join arsenal
cant wait for him
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Posted by KenC on 02/02/2009
Arshavin will sign, the weather here today has been like Russia just to make him feel at home. Eduardo back soon, then Rosicky, then Walcott and then the little Prince we will finish in the CL by season's end no problem. Up the Arse!
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Posted by juha surola on 02/02/2009
as a arsenal fan, i hope wenger doesnt sign arshavin,because i think he is a "one hit wonder"
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Posted by Soccernutt on 02/02/2009
Gunners one player is not a team.. Arshavin may be a good player , but was has he done since Euro 08?
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Posted by glenn on 02/02/2009
i guess the deal is a off. wenger as usual being a miser.
anw quaresma has joined chelski on loan as well
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Posted by GunnerPatrick on 02/02/2009
With as much discussion and anticipation that has surrounded Arsenal and Arshavin, should he ultimately sign with the Gunners, is there any possible way for him to live up to the lofty expectations? Past history in these types of situations suggest not. Arsenal fans, such as myself, should know by now:
1) We should've sold Adebayor in the offseason. As poor as Bendtner's been all year, Ade's not been any better.
2) We're desperately missing Fabregas, and even more so, a suitable center mate for Fabregas (Remember Flamini?).
3) We've no chemistry at the center back. C'mon, Arsene. Go with Gallas or Toure with Djourou, and stop all of the shuffling. Or just ditch both Kolo and Gallas and sign a newbie.
All we have to play for is a top 4 spot this year. The title's out of reach given how Man U's playing.
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Posted by mick on 02/02/2009
Arshavin has always been a productive attacking option. Euro 2008 just helped him step into the limelight. Villa chokes, Torres pulls a hamstring, Gunners finish 3rd..CL football for another year.
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Posted by R. Long on 02/02/2009
Arsenal need Arshavin to get back into the 4th spot and qualify for C.L.
Arshavin is quality and he'll prove it.
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Posted by Chris Villano on 02/02/2009
I'd like to see Arshavin go to Arsenal and tear it up, just to stick it to Spurs. They spent the whole Transfer window buying back old players and the one guy they really wanted this year ended up at Arsenal. And then Spurs get relegated and everyone on the team spontaneously combusts.
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Posted by Matt on 02/02/2009
At this point, Arshavin cant hurt Arsenal any more than they are already hurting themselves. Even if he provides just a bit of a spark, it might be better than they have done recently. Especially until some people get back from injuries.
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Posted by Trethan on 02/02/2009
Arshavin has some wonderful highlights and I believe he will only do good for Arsenal. Was just looking at Hleb's stats for this season and he hasn't played too much.
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Posted by BlueAmpersand on 02/02/2009
Signing Arshavin will surely boost the team spirit. AW and Arsenal will definitely regret not signing him if top 4 can't be reached this season.
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Posted by getoverhim on 02/02/2009
IF Torres gets injured and IF they still had Keane all he would do, based on past experience, is miss the goal from 2 yards out anyways, so even if he was still in the lineup the situation would be the same as it is now! Better 15 mil now than 10 in the summer.....
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Posted by Michael on 02/02/2009
so much to say:
1) BRING ARSHAVIN. I have not been on board the whole time, but WHAT CAN IT HURT? Look how much Samir has helped. I'M TIRED OF WAITING ON ROSICKY. Arshavin will fill the missing void for the last year and a half. Walcott was filling but is missing for another month. We cannot wait any longer to bring someone in. We are losing points and losing them quickly. Too many 0-0's and 1-0's we need to get back to our scoring ways. He can be that spark. Of coarse he hasn't done anything at Zenit since Euro.HE DOES NOT WANT TO BE THERE.So bring him to somewhere he wants to be and with better players he will SHINE.
2)Let gallas go.I would much rather see the Toure/Djourou partnership.Gallas is too much whining and just too much trouble and doesn't keep his mouth out of the news.
3)Cheski can go to hell.What is the use of signing Quaresma?To show off the money that everyone knows that you have?MAKE A SMART SIGNING.TEAMS LIKE YOU,MAN CITY, and REAL MADRID are RUINING FOOTBALL
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Posted by Roulette on 02/02/2009
I had tracking Arshavin news from 6 p.m Malaysian time (10 a.m in U.K) until now 5 a.m in my country. Damn so long and there are hundreds of rumors told me that the deal was done/not done. I'm so bored and tired but i hope the deal will go through as i'm among of the Gooners' fans in Malaysia and i admired the Arshavin talent so high.
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Posted by Chris Villano on 02/02/2009
I'm an Arsenal fan and seriously, if they don't pick up a single player in the transfer market (mainly Arshavin) then I hope they don't make the CL. This may be just the kind of incentive they need to start freaking spending some money.
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Posted by Grammy on 02/02/2009
I agree one player does not make a team....Arshavin appears to be the greedy one here, by not wanting to pay the full dues on buying out his contract. Though I'm not a Gooner or a fan of Wingher-Wenger, I belive he is being prudent with his cash. My belief is, he's thinking about his current injury squad getting back on the field, which makes Arshavin 'not so special to requirements' (depending on price!!).
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Posted by abdirahman on 02/02/2009
it is 4:00 pm in here Maine, USA
I don't think arsene wenger will buy arshavin for us(arsenal) because he dosen't like to pay money. I hate him so much
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Posted by ryan on 02/02/2009
Finally!!!!IT HAS BEEN STRUCK Arshavin has signed for Arsenal... He's also going to be wearing the no 13 jersey... It is the Headline on www.goal.com
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Posted by vishaal on 02/02/2009
I would love to see Arshavin come to Arsenal, I've beeen waiting all transfer season for it. But at the same time, I was kind of hoping that they would diversify their options and buy someone like Miguel Veloso as well. We all know about the Real Madrid - ronaldo saga and they need other players that they didn't buy because they were chasing Ronaldo alone. I know that we have the quality to win the EPL but I think that we need other players than Arshavin coming in to help us win.
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Posted by john on 02/02/2009
arshavin will be a flop. Good ol' Arry, thank you. Robbie should never have been allowed to leave by the last regime !
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Posted by tony on 02/02/2009
no more chance for Arshavin??!?!??!
u break my heart arsenal!
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Posted by Etta on 02/02/2009
I am Nigerian,and an ardent follower of Arsenals flair and beauty.So much for so very little to show for it. N bite up front,so Ashavin will provide the much needed tonic and create the much needed challenge up front for his fellow strikers.Wenger, wiser up and stop being such a spoilsport. Ashavin and co will bring back the swagger into my gait
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Posted by Reginald Merryweather from Kalamazoo on 02/02/2009
"Andrei Arshavin found dead in his hotel room early on the morning of February 3rd..."
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Posted by tim on 02/03/2009
hes signed though due to weather here its being finalized tomorrow so breath :P
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Posted by Sammy Arthur Wayne on 02/03/2009
Good morning Singapore. It's almost 10am...no confirmation on Arshavin yet???
Lousy negotiators!
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Posted by wesley on 02/03/2009
wenger~ please don break my heart! don make me hate YOU! WENGER! waiting for Arshavin 13...
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Posted by Pompey_fan_94 on 02/03/2009
Tony Adams should be sacked. He has no idea who is good and bad. He decided to keep Sean Davis and not buy Geovani dos Santos who is 3 times the player davis is. Should have sold davis and splashed a little more cash for dos Santos. I do however like the signings of Gekas and Basinas. As for Arshavin i have been a huge fan of his for years and i am very disappointed he hasent moved to the premier league
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Posted by Matt on 02/03/2009
My outlook on the EPL this season :
Arsenal-Ashravin in-Arsenal still DWLWD
Aston Villa-Neither here nor there
Blackburn-Bye Bye-See you in Div 1
Bolton-Manager calls fans pathethic and dumb..hmm
Chelsea-Money cant buy happiness
Everton-Will tease but never challenge top 4 Fulham - Dont stay ..Drop out
Hull City-Not Hoffenhiem after all
Liverpool-And you thought you could win the EPL
Manchester City - Money wont buy happiness or Champions League (LOL Robhinho)
Manchester United-You wont hold to Ronaldo this time..what you gonna do then?
Middlesbrough -Bye Bye -See you in Div 1
Newcastle United-JFK & Ashley-Premiership Jesters
Portsmouth-Redknapp,Defoe,Premiership staus gone
Stoke City- Who?
Sunderland - You wont be here too long
Tottenham Hotspur - Buy players you sold for higher-Club on Crack
WBA - Bye bye..Dont ever come back
West Ham - Battles on in sack race
Wigan Athletic- Heskey,Palacios out ,Zaki Valencia follow
Lesson -Watch the Premiera Liga
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Posted by Bob on 02/03/2009
I really hope we don't qualify for CL, so AW can actually see that quanitity of quality players is where we're missing.
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Posted by Sean G - Australia on 02/03/2009
Who really cares what Arsenal does in the transfer window as they have no hope of winning the EPL. The premier league title is there for the taking for Man Utd and only Man Utd with the way they are playing and the depth and youth and experience they have. The English, Euro and world champions will make it three in a row and a double as Euro champions and world champions.
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Posted by Will Wanjala on 02/03/2009
Iam arsenal fan from kenya. I have bin tracking arshavin news throughout the entire night on my phone. i can't wait to see him playing for arsenal.At whatever cost, plse bring him to emirates!!!
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Posted by Anonymous on 02/03/2009
what are you on about, Arshavin is dead... I don't know if Andri Arshavin is our saviour, wht Arsenal needs is depth, they can not rely on just one player.... but with the injury woes of 2008 - 2009 we are doing well
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Posted by Hussain on 02/03/2009
Wow this arshavin sga has kept me up all night long .... even thought m a manutd fan ... i still wish if he could join arsenal as it would be an excellent signing for them ... coz there r also goals in arshavin.... just wait n c ....
Posted by Polo on 02/03/2009
All this Arshavin is really going overboard, after all even if he is bought we still have no midfield! denilson, song, eboue, diaby!! One player changing things? I don't know...
Posted by Bharat on 02/03/2009
Fingers crossed on Arshavin deal- Gunners' fan from India.
Posted by Ced on 02/04/2009
Robbie Fowler has just ended an anxious wait for A-League newcomers the North Queensland Fury and agreed to become their inaugural marquee player.
The Fury announced in Townsville today that the former England international had rejected several other invitations, including a shocking invitation from a Hong Kong First Division Club South China, signed a two-season deal with Fury.
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