10 Arsenal Players Who Weren't Worth The Hassle
7. Andrei Arshavin
If there is one player who typifies the art of not making the most of talent, it is summed by the Russian maverick who tore international defences to shreds during Euro 2008. Injecting pace and energy into an inspired Russian side, they reached the semi-finals of the European Championships, before bowing out to Spain. While he had been touted as one to watch prior to the tournament, it had been confirmed for all to see a star was born.
It took six months and dogged efforts on Arsene Wengers part to battle off the interest in the Russian superstar, as he acquired his services in January 2009. It was a turgid and gruelling affair, in which Arsenal registered several bids in an effort to prize him from the clutches of Zenit St. Petersburg, but eventually they had their man. Arsenal chiefs had even been left to sweat at the 13th hour, following an English snowstorm which had delayed the registration process, with the league forced to extend the transfer deadline beyond 5pm.
In the end, it was much ado about nothing. Arshavin proved to be one of those players who built a spectacular repertoire of collectors items from the four-goal salvo at Anfield, to the late winner against Barcelona but apart from the occasional moment of magic, the Gunners were left wondering what all the fuss was about. Often cutting a forlorn figure in English football, the supporters grew tired of his abject displays, and even showed their dissatisfaction with their vocal chords as he was substituted on against Manchester United in 2011.
Arshavin has since admitted that he nearly suffered from depression, following his prolonged spells on the bench at Arsenal, and he was granted a swift reprieve in June 2013, when his former club offered him a lifeline.