Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Shipping Andrei Arshavin Is No-Brainer for Gunners

With several new midfielders and forwards in the fold, it appears as though Andrei Arshavin is beginning to fade into the background with Arsenal. As a result, the Gunners would be quite wise to take what they can get for him at some point during the January transfer window.

JustArsenal.com is reporting that Zenit St. Petersburg, with which Arshavin played from 2000-2008, is prepared to offer $10 million in exchange for the creative playmaker. Seeing as Arshavin has accrued just two goals and two assists in 21 total appearances this season, there isn't much reason to keep him around.

Arshavin is the Russian captain. If he continues to receive spotty playing time with Arsenal, there is a chance that his spot on the national team could be diminished. Therefore, a move back to Zenit would be extremely beneficial for himself, as well as the other parties involved.

There is no doubt that $10 million is an extremely fair offer for such a little-used player. Arsenal would almost be crazy not to jump on it. While Arshavin was a solid contributor in each of his past two campaigns with the Gunners, I get the feeling that he was never utilized to his fullest potential.

That clearly wouldn't be an issue at Zenit as he would immediately be the squad's marquee player due to his status as Russia's captain. There is no question that the Russian Premier League is a major step down from the English Premier League, but Arshavin's contributions would be much more useful and appreciated with Zenit.

According to the report, Arshavin has said that the only way he would return to Russia would be if he could go back to Zenit. With that looking like a very strong possibility, everything appears to be in place. It isn't often that a transfer is amicable from every angle, but this would appear to be one of those cases.

Arshavin tried his hand at the EPL, and while he had his moments, it likely didn't go the way that he envisioned it. He can rest assured knowing that he got to play at the highest level, though, and happily return to a team that will welcome him back with open arms.

There should be no ill will from Arsenal nor its fans directed toward Arshavin. He is a very talented player who just happens to be lost in the shuffle on Arsene Wenger's squad. The Gunners would be wise to agree to the offer and move on.