Zenit admit interest in permanent deal for Andrey Arshavin

Zenit St. Petersburg manager Luciano Spalletti has admitted that he is interested in signing Andrey Arshavin on a permanent basis.

Arshavin enjoyed a successful loan spell at Zenit during the second half of last season and continues to be linked with a return to his boyhood club.

Spalletti told Zenit's official website: "In my opinion Arshavin is a player of real class and, in addition, he is an intelligent man. It all depends on what his motivation is.

"I have little doubt about Arshavin. I'm sure if he came back, he would play as well as last season. He is one of the names that we have discussed."

The 31-year-old has returned to Arsenal for pre-season training and is expected to be part of the Gunners squad to tour Asia for the next fortnight.