AFR Transfers

CSKA Moscow goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev seems set to move to a top English club after spending seven years in the Russian capital. Since finishing third in Euro 2008, Akinfeev has been at the top of many clubs’ lists across Europe but only after his great performances in last season’s Champion’s League have clubs begun to seriously pursue the 24-year-old. Manchester United, a side looking to line up a replacement for the aging Edwin van der Sar after offloading Ben Foster to Birmingham city, and Arsenal, who need to sort out their goalkeeping situation after several seasons with a lack of confidence between the sticks, are the front runners in race to sign the Russian international who is valued at £8 million.

Akinfeev has let it be known that he would welcome a move to either English club. Arsenal’s Andrei Arshavin has convinced his compatriot that England is right move for Akinfeev. “Arsenal and Manchester United are two of the very best clubs in the world,” he told the Daily Star Sunday. “If both of them are going to be looking for keepers this summer - or even the next summer - then of course I am interested. I have spoken with Arshavin about Arsenal and London life. He has only had good things to say about the club and the city. He said some very nice things about me going on to be the best goalkeeper in the world - and that he would like me to reach that goal at Arsenal with him.” Although Akinfeev admires Arshavin’s Arsenal, he could also be on his way to Old Trafford.

“Of course there is every chance this will be the last season for Edwin van der Sar. To be the number one for Manchester United would be a great honour too,” he said. “They are the biggest football club in the world and, to be their number for a length of time, you know you will have success.” Akinfeev still has three years remaining on his current contract with CSKA Moscow but he is confident that he would be able to leave if a substantial offer can in for him. “My contract doesn’t expire until 2013 but I have a great relationship with my president,” he explained. “If the right offer, both for me and the club came in, I don’t think anybody would stand in my way. I have been in Russia for a lot of years now and feel ready for a new challenge.”

A fee of around £8 million would be enough to secure the Russian shot-stopper and he would clearly be a great addition to either club, but the question remains: will Arsene Wenger drop that kind of cash, especially on a goalkeeper? The goalkeeping situation seems more urgent at Arsenal with no keeper securely in the number one spot, but Manchester United have been chasing Akinfeev for several seasons— Where do you think Akinfeev will end up?