IGOR AKINFEEV WANTS TO JOIN ARSENAL

RUSSIA goalkeeper Igor ­Akinfeev has told Arsene Wenger: I’d love to team up with Andrey ­Arshavin at ­Arsenal.

CSKA Moscow star Akinfeev, 24, is a target for the Gunners and Manchester United after ­ impressive Champions League ­displays last season.


But Arsenal are the favourites to grab his signature after Emirates ace Arshavin gave the Gunners a glowing reference.


WIN £50,000: PLAY DAILY STAR FANTASY FOOTBALL NOW!

And Akinfeev said: “Arsenal and Manchester United are two of the very best clubs in the world.


“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.


“They are a great club with a great manager. Of course there is every chance this will be the last season for Edwin Van der Sar.


“To be the No.1 for Manchester United would be a great honour too.


“They are the biggest football club in the world and, to be their No.1 for a length of time, you know you will have success.


“Juventus have also expressed ­an interest in me – but Arshavin has sold England to me very well.


“My contract doesn’t expire until 2013 but I have a great relationship with my president.


“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.”