Arshavin demands threaten Arsenal move

Andrei Arshavin's move to Arsenal is in danger of collapse because of the player's refusal to reign in his financial demands, Zenit St Petersburg general director Maxim Mitrofanov told Reuters today.

Mitrofanov said the clubs had agreed a £15m transfer fee for the Russian playmaker but the deal now hinged on him making a financial compromise to settle an impasse over repayment of half his bonus from when he signed a four-year-contract in 2006.

"I think that we are very close to a deal, we really want to sell him but I hope the player can forget about the huge sums of money he is asking for and I hope he can find a compromise," Mitrofanov told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"We are ready but it is his decision.

"Is it his dream or is it just a question of money?"

Earlier today Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger denied that the clubs had agreed a deal and said that "several different voices seem to be coming out of the club (Zenit)".