Arsenal target turns down big-money move to Russia

Arsenal target Fernando Amorebieta has turned down a big-money move to Russia in order to secure a summer switch to the Premier League.

The 27-year-old Spaniard is set to leave Bilbao this summer after failing to agree a new deal at the San Mames.

According to reports in Spain, an unnamed Russian club have made a bid to sign him, which would at least prevent him from leaving Bilbao for nothing in the summer.

But he decided against a move to Russia, which would have earned him a lot more money, so he can try his hand in English football.

Arsene Wenger was linked with the Venezuela international, who has been at Bilbao since 1996, this January as he searched for defensive reinforcements.

But Arsenal could face competition from Liverpool, Everton and Stoke who are also understood to be interested in the central defender.