Pog urges Reading to sign Russian star

Reading striker Pavel Pogrebnyak has said that the Royals should sign Arsenal forward Andrei Arshavin.

The 31-year old is very much currently surplus to requirements at the Emirates Stadium, meaning the Gunners could be willing to let Arshavin go in a cut-price deal in January. Reading owner Anton Zingarevich has already publicly stated his desire to sign the Russia captain, who is keen to play first-team football in the final years of his career.

Speaking to the Russian news website www.rg.ru, the Russian international told them: ‘It’s Arshavin who has to make the decision. Anton Zingarevich knows him well enough without listening to my opinion, as he is from St Petersburg. Andrei is a master and there is no doubt that it would be great to see him at Reading.’

Both Pogrebnyak and Arshavin are very good friends, having played in the Russian national team together and also being at Zenit St. Petersburg for nearly three years. Arsenal we’re also reported to have been willing to let the playmaker go at the start of the season for free, but these reports were not confirmed by the club.

Some fans may be skeptical about this possible transfer, but I don’t see why? He may not have cracked it at Arsenal in recent months but he is still a player with outstanding quality that would grace most teams in Europe. Andrei has also never had an attitude problem, so it’s fair to say he would fit into the ‘Reading FC ethos’.

Wiki page: Andrei Arshavin