Anzhi eye more big-name moves

Anzhi Makhachkala are interested in signing Arsenal striker Robin van Persie and Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka according to coach Roberto Carlos.

The Russian club, backed by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov, signed striker Samuel Eto’o from Inter in August and have also purchased former Chelsea wing-back Yuri Zhirkov and Hungarian winger Balazs Dzsudzak in recent times.

Carlos, 38, was the club’s first big-name arrival in February, and has taken on the role as co-caretaker manager along with Andrei Gordeyev after Gadzhi Gadzhiyev was sacked last month.

And the former Brazilian international has revealed his side are set to continue their heavy spending and are also monitoring the situation of Santos starlet Neymar.

Speaking to French TV show Canal Football Club, Carlos said: “We want to make a club the calibre of Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

“Anelka is not the only player. Nene from PSG and Van Persie from Arsenal are players we are following. And Neymar? I talked to him.”

“If Real, Barca or Manchester United cannot pay the transfer fee, we will pay it. Suleyman Kerimov can offer what he wants.”