Arshavin visits St.Petersburg, sparks speculation

Moscow: Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin Sunday arrived in his home town of St. Petersburg on business in a move likely to spark speculation he may rejoin his former club Zenit St. Petersburg.

Zenit are considering bringing the Russia captain back to his hometown club, where he spent the final three months of last season on loan, coach Luciano Spalletti said last month. "Andrei Arshavin has arrived in St. Petersburg on a working visit," a statement on the wesbite said, adding no further information. Arshavin switched to Arsenal in 2008 after 308 appearances and 75 goals for Zenit. That year he earned praise at Euro 2008, where he led Russia to the semi-finals. He failed to hold down a place in Arsenal`s starting lineup last season and was loaned to Zenit. He came on as a 77th-minute substitute in Arsenal`s opening league game against Sunderland, which ended goalless Sunday. Arshavin`s contract expires at the end of the season. He was left out of the club pre-season tour of Asia, as was captain Robin van Persie, who was sold to Manchester United Friday. He has 74 caps for Russia and has scored 17 international goals. IANS