Arshavin outburst could derail Zenit move

Zenit Saint Petersburg are ready to pull the plug on their bid to re-sign Andrey Arshavin, following his outburst against Russia fans at Euro 2012.

Arshavin had been expected to seal a permanent return to Zenit this summer, after scoring three goals in 10 games during a loan spell with the Russian Champions at the end of last season.

However, the deal is now in doubt after Arshavin emerged as public enemy number one in Russia, following an angry outburst at fans after Russia's elimination from Euro 2012.

The 31-year-old took a swipe at journalists and fans who confronted him about their expectations for the team, and there are now calls for Arshavin to be stripped off the captaincy, and retired from international football.

The outcry has put Zenit off completing a deal, despite Arsenal's desperation to offload the playmaker, who they paid £15 million for in January 2009.

All parties hope the outrage will die down before the close of the window, but Arshavin is already considering other options, including a possible switch to Serie A.

Arsenal are asking around £8 million for the player.