Zenit St Petersburg star Andrei Arshavin has welcomed interest from Real Madrid.

The Russia international is a top January target for Real and told AS: "How can I not want to go to Madrid? The only thing I've said is that I want to leave Zenit in the New Year, come what may.

"I have not spoken out in favor of any team. However, the most important thing now is not whether Real Madrid wants me or not, but if Zenit is going to let me go.

"Of course I like Real Madrid, it is a great team, one of the best."