Is Arshavin the answer to Arsenal's problems?

With less than two days of the current transfer window remaining the protracted negotiations between Arsenal and Zenit St. Petersburg concerning the transfer of play-maker Andrei Arshavin continue unresolved.


The question remains however, with Arsenal having put all their eggs into one basket with this single signing, can one player really make that much difference for the remainder of the season?


Assuming the transfer goes through, Arshavin will have little time to settle into not only a new team but a whole new culture too. As good a player as he is this is asking a lot, especially as he will be severely lacking in match fitness. The 2008 Russian championship finished at the end of November and Arshavin’s last competitive game was the Champions League fixture at Real Madrid on December 10.


Emmanuel Eboue and Abou Diaby were added to an already lengthy injury list yesterday and Arsenal's squad is now looking thinner than ever. Though the addition of Arshavin would be a welcome boost, the relative lack of signings last summer and this January could very well cost Arsenal dear this season.