He may have had his tournament disrupted by suspension but in just two Euro 2008 matches Andrei Arshavin has lept to the top of the Premiership shopping lists with a pair of sparkling displays. The Russian skipper is currently at UEFA Cup winners Zenit St Petersburg but his agent has already publicised the fact that he is on his way – sparking a rush of interest from Premiership clubs. Arsenal, Spurs, Newcastle and Man City are amongst the clubs excitedly reporting on Arshavin’s current status and it seems odds on that he will arrive on these shores in the next month or so.

Even before we know Arshavin’s final destination in the Premiership, he is certain to put himself on many fantasy shortlists come the season kick-off. Like Luka Modric at Spurs, there will be some question marks over his physical attributes given the demands of the Premiership but there is no doubting his creative flair and eye for goal.

Arshavin is in many ways a stronger proposition than Modric. Like the Croatian, he is likely to reap a decent haul of FPL bonus points, but in terms of goal power he appears to have the edge. He is likely to be employed just behind a front man, as he has been for Russia since his arrival in the tournament. His record of 47 goals in 217 appearances for Zenit, certainly reinforces this potential.

Arsenal would seem his most likely destination, with Arshavin cut out to be almost a straight replacement for Alexander Hleb who is reportedly in talks with Barcelona, having been previously linked with Inter. If that does prove to be the case there are a number of factors to consider – notably the fact that Arshavin, a likely FPL darling, will doubtless reduce the bonus returns of Fabregas over the season.

Time will tell. Like the fans of half a dozen Premiership clubs, we can only wait with anticipation for what seems an inevitable reunion with the classy Russian come August.