Arsenal forward Andrei Arshavin and Blackburn defender Christopher Samba have completed moves to the Russian Premier League by opting to join Zenit and Anzhi respectively. While Russian national captain Arshavin has initially joined on loan with a view to a permanent switch in the summer, Samba has completed a permanent transfer for a reported £9m, with a further £2m due to Rovers in potential add-ons.
Arshavin joined Arsenal from Zenit but has struggled to consistently reproduce the talent that made Arsene Wenger sign him. His spell at the Gunners has had some spells of brilliance, but his work rate has often been criticised by fans.
Both Spurs and QPR were interested in selling Samba, but Rovers didn’t want to let him go in January and have now allowed him to move to Russia.
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