Andrei Arshavin has been shown around the Arsenal training ground in an attempt to convince the Russia forward that his future is in north London.

Sportsmail can reveal that Arshavin arrived in London in mid-December and went on from Arsenal to meet with Tottenham officials at White Hart Lane.

Although Tottenham no longer have any interest in the player, Arsenal are in negotiations with Zenit St Petersburg but 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 Sportsmail: 'I hope the clubs can come to an agreement.'

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has always been reluctant to spend big in January but is tempted by a player who was one of the stars of Euro 2008.

Although Spurs chairman Daniel Levy was ready to listen to Arshavin's representatives, manager Harry Redknapp had no interest in signing him.

It is also understood that although Arshavin and Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko are paired up front for Russia, the pair are not particularly friendly.

Arshavin's alternative is Arsenal and with Zenit St Petersburg keen to cash in the hard bargaining will continue.

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.

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