Arsenal Transfer: Is Andrei Arshavin on the Way out of Arsenal at Last?

Could Andrei Arshavin be set for a January exit? Yes, if this report by the Daily Mail is to be believed.

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Andrey Arshavin is in preliminary talks with Russian heavyweights Anzhi Makhachkala.

The mega-rich club are putting together a money-is-no object move to land the unsettled Gunners playmaker.

Anzhi chiefs sounded out Arshavin's advisors earlier in the season and the wheels are now in motion.

Arshavin's current deal expires in the summer of 2013.

Anzhi have identified the capture of Arshavin as key component in their quest to turn themselves into a domestic and European superpower.

The club, who are bankrolled by billionaire businessman Suleyman Kerimov are also planning a raid on Manchester City for Kolo Toure.

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I'd say it all sounds like a clever rumor by the Daily Mail to spice up the transfer dateline. After all, Anzhi Makhachkala can be linked to a dozen more players.

Moreover, since Arsene Wenger can't hope to sign a replacement at this point, it doesn't make sense to sell a player who is the only cover for both wing positions. What happens if either Theo Walcott or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gets injured?

Yossi Benayoun could, of course, cover temporarily until Gervinho returns, still, Benayoun is really a midfielder and may not like play on the wings. And even when Gervinho returns, it'd still leave the wing positions without adequate cover.

All things considered, the sale of Arshavin at this point looks unlikely.

It does look like the natural step from the player's perspective, having fallen out of favor with Arsenal fans, and having lost his place to a player very much his junior.

It mustn't be a good feeling right now for Arshavin. It must be psychologically damaging to be rejected by 60,000 fans.

Until the supposed transfer happens, I'll not believe it. My verdict is: Arshavin is going nowhere. But again, even Tribal Football carries it!