Arshavin puts Euro elite on alert

Arshavin puts Euro elite on alert

Arshavin is believed to favour a move to Spain

Zenit St Petersburg coach Dick Advocaat is resigned to losing Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin to a top English or Spanish club after Euro 2008.

Arshavin, 27, has starred in Russia's run to the semi-finals and informed Advocaat beforehand he wanted a move.

"I can understand that he wants to play in Europe," Advocaat told BBC 5 Live.

"I think he has some clubs in his mind, some in England and others in Spain, because they are the only two countries he would like to play in."

Arshavin helped Zenit win the Uefa Cup last season and, after being suspended for Russia's opening two games at Euro 2008, has returned to mesmerising effect.

He needs the freedom to do what he thinks is best for the team Dick Advocaat

He helped them beat Sweden to reach the quarter-finals and then inspired a surprise 3-1 extra-time victory over the Netherlands.

Arsenal and Chelsea have already been linked with Russia's maestro but he would apparently favour a move to Spain and Advocaat believes he would succeed wherever he decided to go.

"We had a meeting and he said at his age this is the time to move on," Advocaat said.

606: DEBATE I'm sure that the club who gets his signature won't be disappointed claret60

"If you lose one of your main players you don't like it as a coach but you have to be realistic.

"It is difficult to say which league would suit him best. We play more or less 4-3-3 and our wide players have a lot of freedom.

"I'm not sure other coaches will give him the freedom but you have to otherwise it's difficult to use him. He needs the freedom to do what he thinks is best for the team.

"I have worked with him for two years and he is a very talented player.

"He's just turned 27, he's very quick, he has an excellent shot on both legs and besides scoring he can also provide for other players."