Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Andrei Arshavin has confirmed talks with Arsenal.

However, sources close to the deal claim they are 'miles apart', with the Russians demanding around £20million for the 27-year-old.

Arshavin confirmed Arsenal and Zenit were in talks and told the Daily Mail: "I hope the clubs can come to an agreement."

Arsenal's new chief executive Ivan Gazidis began work this week and one of his first tasks will be to drive down the price for one of Europe's most sought after players.