Manchester City’s double swoop in Russia

Manchester City are hoping to capture Zenit St. Petersburg playmaker Andrei Arshavin and CSKA Moscow star Jo in the next week.

City continue to go ahead with thier transfer activities, despite the uncertainty surrounding the current manager situation. Sven Goran-Eriksson seems set to leave Eastlands, and although Luiz Felipe Scolari has been touted as his replacement, nothing yet has materialised.

Thaksin Shinawatra seems desperate to ring in the changes at Eastlands, and is said to be dissapointed with City’s end to the league season and thier dismal performance in the Asian tour.

Arshavin, 27, set up both of St. Petersburg’s goals against Rangers in the UEFA cup final, and is in the Russian squad for Euro 2008. Arshavin has played in forward position for St. Petersburg this season, but can play either in the midfield and on the wing as well. The Russian star is widely renown for his playmaking ability and creativity.

However the mvoe to buy Arshavin may anger many City fans, as rumours suggest that Shinawater wants money from sales to help buy Arshavin, and may sell Richard Dunne and Stephen Ireland to finance the move for the Russian.

Jo, meanwhile, was strongly linked with a move to Everton in recent days, though it seems City may now be in pole-position for the Brazilian striker. Jo has reportedly flown into England and is set to meet officials at Eastlands.