Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis insists they clinched the signing of Andrei Arshavin before Monday's transfer deadline.

He said: "Andrei was identified by Arsene (Wenger) as a quality creative player who would add something special to this youthful but talented squad.

"Everything was done before the deadline and submitted in time, so I don't think there's any issue. We're just looking for confirmation. This is the nature of deadlines, in general, that people will wait until the last minute before they are prepared to make concessions."