Andrei Arshavin's proposed move to Arsenal could still go through with negotiations continuing, the player's Russian club Zenit St Petersburg said yesterday.

Earlier, Zenit spokesman Alexei Petrov told Reuters: "...the deal is definitely off".

But Zenit general director Maxim Mitrofanov later told local television the move might still be finalised.

"Both clubs definitely want to complete the transfer, therefore the negotiations are still going," he said.

The 27-year-old Russia playmaker was in London yesterday hoping to sign a contract but the clubs failed to announce the completion of the deal before the 18.00 transfer window deadline.

If Arshavin does become an Arsenal player, it is likely to cost manager Arsene Wenger around £15million - a club record.

It is understood that Arshavin would wear the number 13 shirt vacated by Alexander Hleb when he joined Barcelona last year.

Zenit look to be preparing themselves for life without Arshavin and yesterday they have the capture of Hungarian midfielder Szabolcs Huszti.

Late last night several news agencies were reporting that Arshavin passed a medical in snowbound London and the two clubs were reported to have agreed a fee but hold-ups with Premier League paperwork meant the transfer was expected to be given the green light this morning.