Russian Raid

Currently all the Russia 2008 squad ply their trade in the Russian league.

Its unlikely to be the case come the 1st September though.

So..

Who do you see leaving?
What fee do you think they'd command?
What type of team might they move to?

Hmm, Interesting question.

The ones that immediately spring to mind would of course be Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko and the two full-backs Zhirkov and Anyukov(sp?)

Semshov I think is another although he's getting on a bit.

Anyukov looked incredible for Zenit this season so wouldn't be surprised to see him join a top team.

Utd are after a right back...

So it's time for Arsenal fans to switch to Russian from French then?

blutgraetsche wrote:So it's time for Arsenal fans to switch to Russian from French then?

I would take Zhirkov for sure. He's miles better than Clichy.

Also would have Akinfeev - I've been saying we should sign him for about two years now.

If we sell Adebayor then I'd certainly have Arshavin, but if we don't then our attacking options are maybe a bit too full at the moment, especially with the return of Vela

Arsenal were linked with Akinfeev before, much better than Almunia and Fabianski (spel). Zhirkov is a left-winger, I don’t think he will fully convert to a left-back but as we’ve seen in Euro 2008, he can play there.

Vierzehn wrote:Arsenal were linked with Akinfeev before, much better than Almunia and Fabianski (spel). Zhirkov is a left-winger, I don’t think he will fully convert to a left-back but as we’ve seen in euro 2008, he can play there for his club he’s been a left-winger.

For his club he's often played wing back in a 3-5-2 so he's not averse to defenisve responsbility.

To be honest I'd take him for a left wing option as well seems as Rosicky is always crocked

Another player who should be capturing interest is the unofficial ‘best striker in the world’ Pavel Pogrebnyak.

Tweedle wrote:

blutgraetsche wrote:So it's time for Arsenal fans to switch to Russian from French then?

I would take Zhirkov for sure. He's miles better than Clichy.

What on earth are you on about? Look at Zhirkov, he would never make it as a left back in the premier league and is defensively far more vulnerbale than Clichy.

He's a great player, but i expect the club who signs him will play him on left wing.

Arshavin: "I have supported [FC] Barcelona all my life. Barcelona are my dream. I never thought I would have a genuine chance to play for the club. Let's see how the situation unfolds. For now I can't say anything for sure. At the moment I'm a player of team Russia and I'm only thinking about doing well in the semi-finals."

Liverpool should sign any of them.

All except for probably Ashravin, are realistic for us to sign.

Probably do not need Anyukov cause we have signed Degan and have currently Arbeloa and Finnan on the books. Though Finnan could be on his way out. Plus we have done business with Zenit before when we signed Martin Skrtel from them in January. £8M

Remember when Ireland played againist Russia nearly 2-3 years ago, Zhirkov on the wing really stood out. He showed pace, skill, could beat his man, a fierce shot and was very good crossing.
Then saw him play for CSKA in their UEFA Cup winning year and he played againist Liverpool in the Super Cup and again he impressed. £8-15M

Pogrebnyak, I have only seen play a 5 games in the Russian league and obviously youtube clips and what not. Looks a very balanced striker who is a natural striker. I think he said a few months ago he would like to stay another year at Zenit. But surely if he played in the Euros many big clubs would be in for him. With his injury it is too hard to guess his price.

Pavlyuchenko I had my doubts before the Euros. He is a very hit and miss striker and the Euros have prove that I believe. Still think he would be a great back up option to Torres. I think both have a lot of similarities in their games as well. £10M

Thing is with their prices, you have to remember Russian clubs at least the bigs ones are very wealthy and their owners do not nessicerily need the money and that will probably increase the Russuan players valuations.

Hlebadinho wrote:

Tweedle wrote:

blutgraetsche wrote:So it's time for Arsenal fans to switch to Russian from French then?

I would take Zhirkov for sure. He's miles better than Clichy.

What on earth are you on about? Look at Zhirkov, he would never make it as a left back in the premier league and is defensively far more vulnerbale than Clichy.

He's a great player, but i expect the club who signs him will play him on left wing.