Arsenal Opinion: Andrei Arshavin Is the Ideal Replacement for Cesc Fabregas

If Cesc Fabregas does leave Arsenal this summer, Arsene Wenger could turn to Russian schemer Andrei Arshavin for the perfect replacement.

Arshavin has been linked with a move back to Russia but has moved quickly this morning to quell these rumours and state his commitment to Arsenal.

Fabregas is vital to Arsenal's style of play and tactical structure.  In Wenger's hybrid 4-3-3 Fabregas is positioned in the most pivotal spot on the field.  He is charged with linking together the midfield and forward lines.

The most important contribution Fabregas offers is his unerring ability to provide the crucial goal providing pass to help round off Arsenal's attacking moves.

Without their Catalan skipper, Arsenal too often revert to lateral passing with little or no prospect of an end product.

Arshavin has the ingenuity and craft to immediately fill the void that would be created by the departure of Fabregas.

Arshavin possesses natural creative instincts.  His eye for a decisive pass in the final third is second to none.  Even in a down season, Arshavin produced 17 assists.  He relies on incredible speed of thought and polished technique to routinely open up a defense.

If Fabregas manages to secure his dream move back home, Arsenal will also have to replace his impressive number of goals from midfield.

Arshavin offers a powerful and accurate shot from both feet.  He regularly gets into goal scoring positions and his quick and tricky feet enable him to fashion many shooting opportunities.

Another consideration for Arsene Wenger is the subtle shift in style that some of his new personnel could bring.

New wide players Gervinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ryo Miyaichi are all blessed with terrific pace.

The three new boys join fellow sprint ace Theo Walcott to provide Arsenal with the makings of a speed based style of play.

But for this approach to work Arsenal need quick and decisive passers.  Arshavin has the confidence and vision to fulfill this critical requirement.

Arshavin is also an extremely fleet footed player and will be able to keep up with Arsenal's flying wide men on the counter attack.

The biggest risk to playing Arshavin is such an important position is his inconsistency.  Too often the temperamental Russian drifts out of games.  His work ethic is questionable at best.

But allowing Arshavin to operate in a central role may appeal to the Russian talisman.  Positioning him as the Gunner's main play maker will streamline Arshavin's responsibilities and allow him to simply concentrate on providing an offensive threat.

In order to accommodate this kind of free role for Arshavin, Wenger would have to stock the rest of his midfield with willing runners.

These players must be energetic and tenacious enough to do the less glamorous work and allow Arshavin the luxury of operating only in those areas where he can do the most damage.  Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky would be ideal choices.

Giving the most important role in the team to a player as mercurial as Arshavin is certainly a huge gamble.  But if Arsenal do lose Fabregas then it is worth the risk.

The 30-year-old has the necessary attributes and experience to step in and perform right away.  Making Arshavin the focus of the play may lead to him finally having the kind of impact to justify his fee and immense talent.