SOCCER: Arsenal have been granted a work permit for Andrei Arshavin ahead of a proposed move. The Gunners are continuing talks with the Russian international and his club Zenit St Petersburg over the last few weeks.

A deal is yet to be agreed, but Arsenal have applied for a permit as they appear to be closing on a move.

The Gunners have until Monday to finalise the move and the announcement that they now have a permit in place is likely to see the North London club push to try and finalise his capture.

Manager Arsene Wenger said today he wanted the deal done within 24 hours.