Arsene FINALLY Gets Arshavin at Arsenal And I Survive Several Heart Scares

16:54 GMT and my heart beat normally again while my breathing went back to a safe level. It was official—Andrei Arshavin had finally signed for Arsenal.

Arsenal fans thought we knew all about protracted transfers in the summer window when the will-he-won't-he Nasri saga was concluded in our favour. In the end, Samir Nasri's deal turned out to be a drop in the ocean compared to Arshavin's.

Arsene Wenger has been a fan of Arshavin for some time but baulked at the asking price following last summer's European Championships. Despite interest from other clubs, the Russian captain stayed at Zenit St.Petersburg.

However, it quickly became obvious that Arshavin was unhappy in Russia and wanted to ply his trade in one of Europe's bigger leagues.

As the winter transfer window progressed it became quite clear that Arsenal were the only team that had put in an official bid for the Russian. Despite the best efforts of Zenit and the very annoying agent Denis Latcher, Manchester City showed no interest in the midfielder.

The deal was on and off like no tomorrow. The Russian press in particular showed a liking to making up bits of news which Sky Sports and other outlets were only too willing to follow.

Yesterday and today was no different.

Now, one might say "don't read the feeds on Newsnow, turn off Sky Sports and go read a book and wait for an official confirmation."

But I am a football fan who loves my club so no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't walk away.

Instead, Sky News was on the television, every news feed was up on my laptop, Arsenal.com was being refreshed every few minutes and all the while us bloggers on Le Grove shared a wave of emotions.

Arshavin arrived on Sunday night and was seen in Hertfordshire. Great. He even brought the snow with him, why not? Might as well make himself feel at home.

Monday morning and reports emerged that he was seen at London City Airport boarding a flight to go back to Russia as he was unhappy with the Arsenal offer. That's it—deal over.

But wait—aren't the airports shut from the snow?

Brilliant. The various media "sources" are just making stuff up yet again.

The deal was off and on all day. One Zenit representative said the whole transfer was off only for another to confirm negotiations were still ongoing.

It was getting very near the 5 p.m. deadline and still no word. This deal had been going on for 33 days and still no conclusion.

All the while a few other transfers caught my eye. The most notable was the transfer of Robbie Keane from Liverpool to Tottenham Hotspur. Harry Redknapp doing his best Little Bo Peep effort had managed to locate another of Spurs' lost sheep.

Finally, word came through that an agreement had been made between both sides, just in time, too.

Yet again, though, there was a twist and Sky Sports News reported that the deal had fallen through only for other outlets to suggest talks were still ongoing.

It really would be comical were it funny.

No one seemed to know what was happening. For once, Zenit were quiet while Arsenal remained in hiding.

After what seemed like an eternity, Sky Sports News contacted Arsene Wenger who said he was "confident" and that he had "positive news" regarding Arshavin but couldn't say much more.

That'll do for me. Thanks, Boss.

So no more news until this morning and Gunners continued to wait for the unveiling of our new player.

Then another twist. Rumours began to spread that the FA had problems with the paperwork and the deal was only 50/50 to go through. At 16:54 GMT that was confirmed as more bull as Arsenal.com finally, finally, finally confirmed him as our newest addition.

What a rollercoaster!

This may all seem a bit overboard for the signing of a player but in the last few seasons this hasn't happened at Arsenal.

Gunners have got used to 15-year-olds with potential coming in or more likely our better players leaving.

Arshavin is different. We know who he is, we know what we can hope to expect, we can debate as to where he can play. He is 27!

Sagna, Vela, Eduardo, and Clichy have all been good Wenger buys over the last few seasons but they came unknown. They were typical buys of the Arsene Wenger who moved into the Emirates.

Arshavin is typical of the Wenger we knew at Highbury.

Of course, the Russian is a gamble, but what player isn't?

Arsenal.com have said that the fee is undisclosed but it is believed that Arshavin is now Arsenal's record transfer with many suggesting a price between £12 million-£15 million while the Russian has taken a pay cut and is now on £70,000 a week.

Believe me when I say a large chunk of that will be recouped from jersey sales with "23 Arshavin" on the back.

Arsene Wenger has been getting a tough time lately, so just right now I will say, "Well done Boss and thanks for putting a smile on my face".

If, as hoped, Arsenal have a fully fit midfield in a few weeks, Wenger can choose from any four of Cesc Fabregas, Tomas Rosicky, Samir Nasri, Theo Walcott, and Andrei Arshavin to start. Not too shabby, huh?

Yes, we needed a defensive midfielder but Denilson has done well lately. His purpose is to win the ball and pass it to the nearest player in an Arsenal shirt and he is getting better at it each week.

Is this option perfect? No—but then again neither is getting an injury to Torres and being left with David N'Gog to fill in (couldn't resist).

Arshavin has been in training with Zenit in Dubai and hopefully is not too far off match fitness. Coming off the bench may be a good option for now.

It is impossible to say what effect Arshavin will have on the field but already he has lit up Arsenal off the pitch. The mood of the fans has lifted greatly and they turned out in force to great him at the Emirates tonight.

Besides the last time a guy with "ARS" at the beginning of his name turned up at Arsenal he did quite well.

A good way to start is to get the fans on your side. During an interview with Arsenal TV, Arshavin was asked did he consult with Spurs' Russian forward Pavlyunchenko over his move to London, to which he replied, "No, he is not my friend, just a partner in my team".

Welcome aboard Andrei Arshavin, Arsenal's number 23.

As he said himself "Now I am a Gunner."