You are in > manchester.com  > News > Advocaat slaps £20 million price tag on Arshavin

General Sport

Advocaat slaps £20 million price tag on Arshavin

06/07/2008

Zenit St Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat says he will not let Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin leave the club for less than £20 million.

However, the Dutch coach concedes the forward is likely to leave for another club at some point in the summer and will not stand in his way.

Arshavin has been linked with Barcelona and Chelsea since a string of impressive performances for Russia at Euro 2008 and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in the 27-year-old.

Zenit are currently playing games in the Russian league but Advocaat thinks it would be better for Arshavin to stay out of the side until his future is resolved.

Advocaat said: "Andrei won't play until things are all cleared up. It's a joint decision. Better put, I told him he shouldn't play and he agreed."

Arshavin helped Zenit to win the Uefa Cup last season and Advocaat says he understands if he wants to test himself at a higher level of European competition.

"I understand it perfectly, as he's been playing here for seven years," said the Dutch coach.

"The wish of a player who is still young to go and shine at a foreign club is very understandable."

However, when a suitable club is found for the forward Advocaat is determined to get a good price for his star player.

He said: "We can't keep hold of the player if someone offers good money, in the region of 25 or €30million [£23.7million]."

Arshavin scored two goals in three games for Russia at Euro 2008, helping them reach the semi-finals.