Arshavin deal collapses!

Andrei Arshavin's move to Arsenal has collapsed, sources from the club say, the Russian playmaker is off to his country.

Andrei Arshavin, the Euro 2008 superstar, was in England for negotiations with Arsenal on his proposed move to the Emirates. But, latest reports suggest that the deal is off and the player is heading back to Russia.

Arshavin plays for Zenit St. Petersburg, and the talented midfielder was on Wenger's radar for quite a while. Many football pundits said that Arsenal need a man like Arshavin for their revival.

Arsene Wenger had earlier commented that the deal was 90 percent done and the talks with the player was going on. Arshavin's agent said that the the player is waiting for a work permit and set to join the Gunners on the transfer deadline day.

The transfer deadline for English clubs has passed and the deal has not been struck.

This will be a heavy blow for the Gunners fans as they badly need someone to take charge and take their team forward.