Arshavin: Making It Rain

How much money do you think Andrei Arshavin has secured himself as the result of his ridiculous performance over the span of the past two matches?

Ten Million? Fifteen?

It could wind up being as much as twenty million Pound to secure the services of Arshavin this following season.

Currently, Arshavin is a member of Zenit St. Petersburg but has been linked with multiple clubs since December of 2007 when he linked himself to Newcastle.

Though it seems anywhere where the money is will do for Arshavin.

Zenit coach Dick Advocaat publicly announced on Friday that Arshavin was actively seeking transfer to another club. 

At the moment there are many suitors -- but none have made a move yet.  Like four meatheads at a bar who see a pretty girl but cant think of anything to say, English clubs Newcastle, Everton, Manchester City, and Arsenal are all staring at Arshavin, but frozen with indecision.

Their indecision is likely costing them millions of Pounds.

Last December Arshavin was a solid prospect coming out of the Russian ranks, but his age, or his stature, may have kept some of the larger clubs from signing.

Arshavin said if Sam Allardyce had come asking during the January transfer window he would have answered. Allardyce wound up diverging from Newcastle, but maybe if he had signed him quick he could have saved his job.

Now Newcastle still want Arshavin, but his stock has risen considerably during Euro 2008.

After a strong showing for UEFA Cup Champions Zenit, Arshavin began Euro 2008 on the bench due to suspension.  In a controversial move Russian manager Guus Hiddink decided to name Arshavin to the Euro roster even though he would miss the first two matches.

Rewarding his coach's faith, Arshavin has delivered.  Scoring goals and assisting on others his relentless drive has been the catalyst for the Russians. 

Arshavin is making a solid effort at becoming the player of the tournament.

Sky Sports is reporting that the English clubs he has been linked with are offering around ten million Pound currently.

Ten million may no longer be enough.

In 2006 Dimitar Berbatov was signed by Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen for £10.89 million.  This year Brazillian striker Ricardo Olivera was transfered from AC Milan to Real Zaragoza for £7.96 million.

Luka Modric who is also having an outstanding Euro Cup was signed by Tottenham this year for £16.53 million.

With these recent numbers as guides it is tough to think that Arshavin will be commanding anything less than £15 million.  If he continues to kill it during Euro 2008 his transfer fee will rise even higher -- and with four suitors in the Premier League alone, a bidding war may ensue.

Arshavin could have earned Zenit ten million Pound extra in transfer fees, as well as secured himself another £2-3 million per season.  Nothing like playing two games in a tournament and increasing your value by twenty million pounds.

Teams should be wary about rewarding a player for a single outstanding performance though.  MLB fans will remember the inflated contract that Carlos Beltran received after his history making post season. 

Soccer fans will know Juan Sebatian Veron whos talents were worth over £43 million to Manchester United and Chelsea, and ranks as one of the biggest busts of all time.

Those of us watching this Euro 2008 should take some time to appreciate the side story of a young man getting PAID! 

All over Russia they are toasting Arshavin tonight.  Vodka is flowing in the Motherland -- and if Andrei Arshavin can keep looking good in the bar that is the Euro Cup, his suitors will certainly pick up the tab.